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Several missing as major bridge destroyed in Nepal floods

Several missing as major bridge destroyed in Nepal floods

Independent08-07-2025
A flooded mountain river in Nepal destroyed the main bridge linking the country with China, sweeping away at least 18 people and halting trade.
Among those swept away were 12 Nepalis and six Chinese nationals, with a further 11 Chinese citizens reported missing on the Chinese side of the border.
The Bhotekoshi river's overflow destroyed the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi, 120km north of Kathmandu, also damaging houses, vehicles and goods containers.
The flooding is suspected to be from an overflowing glacial lake in Tibet, rather than local heavy rainfall, with rescue operations and damage assessments underway.
This incident follows severe monsoon-induced flooding across the region, which has also caused significant damage and casualties in India and Pakistan.
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