Nepal Launches Emergency Response to Devastating Floods in Rasuwa District
Nepal is currently engaged in large-scale rescue operations following a severe flood that has caused widespread destruction in the Rasuwa district. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has declared the situation a priority, stating that the government is working on a “war footing” to address the crisis. The floods have led to the loss of lives, several people going missing, and extensive damage to property.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the impact of the floods, particularly along the Trishuli River, which is known as the Bhotekoshi River upstream. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a swift and effective response, with resources mobilized to assist those affected. Oli also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and offered support to all those impacted by the disaster.
To focus on the emergency, the Prime Minister has suspended all non-essential public engagements. He is receiving regular updates from security agencies and has directed authorities to ensure that no aspect of the government’s response is neglected. Emergency assistance is being coordinated closely in vulnerable areas, with efforts aimed at providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
The Home Ministry has convened an emergency meeting of the Central Security Committee to discuss the ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. This meeting was called after the Bhotekoshi River overflowed, causing significant damage in Rasuwa district. The flood swept away the Miteri Bridge, which connects Nepal and China, and submerged vehicles at the local customs yard.
According to Dhruva Prasad Adhikari, assistant chief district officer of Rasuwa, 18 individuals are still missing, including three police personnel, six Chinese nationals, and nine Nepali customs staff. Government agencies are actively conducting rescue operations in the affected areas, while efforts continue to deliver emergency support and restore access to the disaster-hit region.
The floodwaters were triggered by torrential rainfall on the Chinese side of the river, which led to significant damage at the Customs Office in Rasuwa. Nine loaded containers were swept away by the current, according to the Armed Police Force (APF). Some individuals trapped inside the customs yard were rescued, but ongoing operations have been hindered by high floodwaters on all sides, as reported by Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailendra Thapa, assistant spokesperson for the APF.
Additional damage has been reported at the EV charging station in Timure, where some electric vehicles were carried away by the current. The dam of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has also sustained damage, according to police reports. Furthermore, the Syaphrubenshi-Rasuwagdhi section of Pasang Lhamu Highway is damaged at Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2 of Rasuwa, affecting the transportation of rescue equipment and forces.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on saving lives, providing immediate relief, and restoring infrastructure. The government and local authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the disaster and support the affected communities.
