Nepal Flood Destroys 27 Bridges, Damages Hydroelectric Plant; 16 Dead, 400 Missing

A sudden and devastating flood in Nepal has left a trail of destruction, claiming at least 16 lives and leaving nearly 400 people missing. The deluge, which occurred Wednesday near the border with Tibet, China, obliterated at least 27 bridges and caused severe damage to the Langtang Khola hydroelectric project. The Bhote Koshi River's surge destroyed 22 concrete bridges and five Bailey bridges along a critical stretch between Rasuwa and Dhading Galchhi, according to Nepal's Department of Roads. The hydroelectric plant, which had just concluded construction and was preparing for initial tests, sustained significant damage, with contact lost with approximately 60 workers inside one of its tunnels. The disaster also impacted nine bank branches in Rasuwa, leaving 26 employees unaccounted for. The floodwaters struck early Wednesday, affecting villages, markets, roads, and infrastructure projects. It also severed a vital land route connecting Nepal and Tibet, disrupting transit. The affected areas include Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi, which were hit by the surge originating from the Tibetan plateau around 9:15 a.m. local time. Security forces and emergency teams have been mobilized to assess the full extent of the damage and locate those still missing.

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The Bhote Koshi river's rise destroyed 22 concrete bridges and five Bailey bridges in the section between Rasuwa and Dhading Galchhi.