Latest news with #DhrubaPrasadAdhikari
Times of Oman
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Times of Oman
Rain in Tibet trigger flood in Nepal, warning issued in three districts
Kathmandu: Downpour in Tibet early Wednesday morning has triggered flood in rivers flowing in Nepal prompting authorities to issue warning in three districts. The district of Rasuwa, adjoining the Tibetan side which was hit by a flash flood on July 8 had claimed lives of 7 with over a dozen still missing, after Lhende River swept infrastructure near Nepal-China border. Heavy rainfall in Tibet earlier this morning has triggered flooding in the Trishuli River, raising water levels in areas around Uttar Gaya in Rasuwa and the Trishuli 3B Hub in Kispang. Authorities have issued warnings as water flow continues to rise in the Rasuwagadhi area. Rasuwa's Assistant Chief District Officer Dhruba Prasad Adhikari has urged "residents living in low-lying coastal areas to remain vigilant," citing the "ongoing flood originating from the Rasuwagadhi region near the Nepal-China border." "The District Disaster Management Committee and local disaster response teams under Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality have been mobilized. The rural municipality and police administration have requested immediate cooperation from the public in adhering to the safety notice," Adhikari told ANI over phone. Similar warning was issued in the Nuwakot and the Dhading District where the Trishuli River has swollen following the flood in Lhende River along the Nepal-China border. The District Administration Office of both the districts has requested the locals living along the coastline to remain vigilant for possible floods. Preliminary assessments by Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology-supported by satellite imagery, local officials from the border area, and geologists had confirmed that the flood originated after a section of long-frozen permafrost suddenly gave way near the river's source, which flows into Nepal via Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-1 on 8 July. Permafrost refers to terrain made of compacted rock, snow, and soil that remains below 0°C year-round. Even light rainfall or increased temperatures can destabilize it, causing sudden floods or landslides. At least four of the river's glacial tributaries originate in Tibet. On the Nepali side, the catchment extends through glacial areas between Langtang Lirung and the Sangbu Ri ridge, reaching as far down as the Dudhkunda Ghattekhola area. The Lhende River joins the Trishuli downstream from the Nepal-China friendship bridge at Rasuwagadhi, which was washed away by the flood. Other glacial tributaries, including the Tibu glacier to the northeast, the Purupe glacier further upstream, and another glacier northwest of Langtang Himal, all contribute to the Lhende. These catchments collectively host at least seven glacial lakes on the Tibetan side, and a smaller one can be seen near Dudhkunda in Nepal. Due to rising global temperatures, these permafrost areas have been receiving consistent rainfall in recent years. The warm precipitation accelerates the melting of permafrost--frozen mixes of snow, sand, and rock--which have remained stable for decades at subzero temperatures.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Flash floods wash away Nepal-China trade route, leave 8 dead
Kathmandu: At least eight people died and 19 have gone missing in the flash floods that struck Nepal's Rasuwa district, according to Nepal Police. The missing reportedly included 11 Nepali nationals, including two police personnel and six Chinese nationals. The flood on Tuesday wrought extensive damage to crucial trade infrastructure along the Nepal-China border, disrupting the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung trade corridor ahead of Nepal's major festivals. Traders in Nepal are concerned that the losses may amount to billions of rupees, potentially causing a spike in the prices of imported goods during the festive period. The primary imports through this border point included readymade garments, electronic items, footwear, and electric vehicles, the country's leading newspaper, The Kathmandu Post, reported. The Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa stated that the massive flood swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge and several newly imported electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port. "We are currently focused on the search and rescue rather than collecting detailed damage reports," said Dhruba Prasad Adhikari, information officer at the Rasuwa District Administrative Office, adding that the damage assessment may be delayed due to adverse weather conditions. "As the weather remains unpredictable, aerial rescue by helicopter has become difficult. All communication networks have been knocked out, and the road network brought to a halt," Adhikari said. According to Ganga Bahadur Ghimire, senior vice president of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association, the actual loss figures are still not estimated. However, early reports suggest that the value of damaged goods and physical infrastructure could amount to billions of rupees. "We've heard that 40 to 50 electric vehicles have been submerged, 17 containers carrying apples have been washed away, and 22 to 25 containers filled with footwear and electronic goods -- some already cleared through customs and others awaiting clearance -- have been inundated," Ghimire said. "We don't know how soon the route will reopen. We urge the government to quickly build a Bailey bridge so that stranded containers can be cleared and festival-targeted goods can reach the markets," he added.
