Nepal-China ‘Friendship Bridge’ swept away as floods kill 9, six Chinese nationals among 20 missing

At least nine people lost their lives and 20 remain missing after a powerful flood, triggered by continuous monsoon rains in Tibet, tore through Nepal’s Rasuwa district early July 8, sweeping away the Miteri Bridge — widely known as the “Friendship Bridge” — that connects Nepal with China.

The Bhotekoshi River, swollen by overnight downpours on the Chinese side of the border, surged into Nepal around 3:15 a.m., unleashing destruction in its path. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of nine victims miles downstream in Dhading and Chitwan districts, local authorities confirmed.

Among the 20 still missing are three security personnel and six Chinese nationals. Search and rescue operations, led by Nepalese forces and emergency workers, are underway, though challenging terrain and weather continue to impede progress.

The flood also delivered a heavy blow to infrastructure and the energy sector. Four hydropower plants in Rasuwa sustained major damage, cutting off an estimated 211 megawatts of electricity from the national grid. In addition, the river swept away at least 23 cargo containers, six freight trucks, and 35 electric vehicles.

Located about 120 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, the Miteri bridge served as a vital trade and transit point between Nepal and China. Its collapse underscores the growing toll of climate-fueled disasters in the Himalayan region as monsoon intensity and frequency continue to rise.

Authorities have issued warnings along riverbanks and low-lying areas, while emergency teams race against time to locate survivors and restore critical infrastructure.