A destructive flash flood caused by monsoon rains in Nepal has led to the collapse of a vital bridge to China, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous missing persons. The rising climate-related disasters prompt urgent calls for preventive measures.
Nepal-China Bridge Collapses as Flash Floods Claim Lives and Devastate Infrastructure
Nepal-China Bridge Collapses as Flash Floods Claim Lives and Devastate Infrastructure
Flash floods sweeping through the Rasuwa district of Nepal have resulted in fatalities and extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including the main bridge connecting Nepal to China.
In a tragic turn of events, flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district have claimed at least three lives and destroyed the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge, a crucial connection for trade and transport between the two nations. As authorities launched search and rescue operations on Tuesday, many individuals were reported missing, including police personnel and civilians.
The floods began early Tuesday and quickly wreaked havoc, leading to significant infrastructure damage, especially to the customs yard at the border where numerous vehicles and cargo containers sustain heavy losses. Power outages were also reported due to significant damage to several hydropower plants in the area.
The Nepal Army and police deployed helicopters to rescue at least nine people, with ongoing efforts to locate additional missing persons. Among those unaccounted for are three police members who were swept away while attempting to assist with evacuations and at least fifteen others, including both Nepali and Chinese nationals, primarily drivers of vehicles that transport goods through the vital border crossing.
Nepal's geography renders it particularly susceptible to flash floods, which have been exacerbated in recent years by shifting climate patterns. A concerning trend has emerged, with increased incidents of floods, landslides, and avalanches linked to erratic rainfall. Last year's monsoon season saw 495 fatalities linked to such disasters, raising alarms regarding the impact of climate change on the region.
The current monsoon season, ongoing from early June to September, has not only affected Nepal but has also led to widespread destruction in the Indian Himalayas. Reports indicate close to 80 fatalities in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh due to floods and landslides since late June. With at least 14 more deaths recorded in the past day across several Indian states, the situation remains dire and monitoring is essential as recovery efforts set in motion.
