Floods on Nepal-China border, dozens missing after bridge collapses,
Authorities confirmed that devastating floods hit the Nepal-China border region on Tuesday, washing away a key suspension bridge and leaving dozens of people missing.
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| Scene of Nepal-China border after a bridge was washed away by floods. |
Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Himalaya district of northwestern Nepal, a remote mountainous region bordering Tibet (China). Floodwaters swept away a pedestrian bridge connecting villages to a border trading post, cutting off access and stranding many residents and traders.
Bridge collapse occurred around 5:30 am, and more than 40 people were on or near the bridge at the time." Local official Chandra Bahadur Basta said, "So far 12 have been rescued, but more than 30 are still missing.
Rescue efforts continue:
Nepalese army and police rescue teams have been deployed by air and on foot to reach the isolated area, which has been cut off by landslides and rising river levels. Helicopters have also been dispatched, but bad weather is slowing the work.
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| Scene of destruction at the Nepal-China. |
Monsoon Impacts and Warnings:
Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a warning of continued heavy rains in the coming days. The region is at high risk of flooding and landslides during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to September.
Authorities have urged locals near riverbanks to evacuate low-lying areas and avoid unnecessary travel, especially on mountain passes.
Cross-border concerns:
While the immediate impact has been felt on the Nepali side, Chinese authorities in Tibet are also closely monitoring the situation, as the Karnali River, which flows into Tibet, has overflowed at several places.