Flash floods wash away Nepal-China Miteri bridge, 18 people missing | Watch

A mountain river flooded by monsoon rains swept away the main bridge connecting Nepal with China and 18 people were also swept away by the flooding on Tuesday (July 8), Nepali authorities said.Rescue efforts were underway as officials assess the damage and search for the missing people. An army helicopter was able to lift people stranded by the flooding. Police said 95 rescuers were already at the area and more are expected to join in rescue efforts.
The flooding on the Bhotekoshi River destroyed the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi, which is 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Kathmandu, in the early hours of July 8.

The Helica Tamang of Palden Tamang and Mrs. Bennia, Bennia, has been saved safely in China to bite the Dada Monthly River, Nuwakot, Mrs. Year 62, on the shores of Chilin Tamang and Mrs. Year 62. pic.twitter.com/OR3AETJgGo

– ndrrma (@ndrrma_nepal) July 8, 2025

The flooding also swept away several houses and trucks that were parked at the border for customs inspections. Hundreds of electric vehicles imported from China were also parked at the border point.The 18 missing are 12 Nepali citizens and six Chinese nationals, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Early this morning: Nepal-China Border Flood Disaster. July 08, 2025

??????18 people missing: 12 Nepali, 6 Chinese nationals

Friendship Bridge destroyed, halting all trade through the Rasuwagadi route

Dozens of trucks and hundreds of EVs… pic.twitter.com/kqHb9ZUjbQ

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) July 8, 2025

The destruction of the bridge has halted all trade from China to Nepal through this route. The longer alternative is for goods to be shipped from China to India and then brought overland to Nepal.

Monsoon rains that begin in June and end in September often cause severe flooding in Nepal, disrupting infrastructure and endangering lives.

Nepal Police, rescuing the person shed by Vishnutrapati Kathmandu, Village Coal near Vishnuti Kallaji Kali. pic.twitter.com/9Vr0kOvYCM

— Nepal Police (@NepalPoliceHQ) July 5, 2025