A massive flood in Lende river on Tuesday morning washed away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border point in Rasuwa district. Several newly imported electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port were also swept away, officials said.

Arjun Paudel, chief district officer of Rasuwa, said the flood caused heavy damage. “The flood has swept away the Friendship Bridge and several EVs at the dry port,” Paudel told the Post. He added that individuals trapped in the flood have been rescued, including security personnel who were part of the rescue operation.

Authorities have advised residents downstream to move to safer areas. “There is suspicion that some people were inside vehicles when the flood hit, but that is yet to be confirmed,” Paudel said.

The Rasuwagadhi border point, a key trade gateway between Nepal and China, has suffered severe damage in the flood.

The Nepal Army has been mobilised for rescue, and a helicopter has been called in, but adverse weather conditions have delayed its arrival, he said.