At least 1 dead, nearly 30 missing as floods destroy Miteri Bridge on China-Nepal border

At least 1 fatality and nearly 30 people were reported missing as floods and landslide along the China-Nepal border destroyed the Miteri Bridge on July 8, 2025, halting trade along the key route connecting the two countries.

Early this morning: Nepal-China Border Flood Disaster. July 08, 2025

Rasuwagadi, 120 km north of Kathmandu.

18 people missing: 12 Nepali, 6 Chinese nationals

Friendship Bridge destroyed, halting all trade through the Rasuwagadi route

Dozens of trucks and hundreds of EVs… pic.twitter.com/kqHb9ZUjbQ

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) July 8, 2025

At least one person has been reported dead while around 30 were reported missing after a mudslide struck the Miteri Bridge, also known as Sino–Nepal Friendship Bridge, on the China-Nepal border at around 03:15 local time on July 8.

The flooding was triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall that affected the region overnight from July 7 into 8. According to reports, around 18 people are missing on the Nepal side of the border and 11 more on the Chinese side, according to Xinhua.

Nearly 200 vehicles parked near the customs yard were washed away, several homes were destroyed, and a small hydroelectric plant in the area was damaged.

#Nepal: Nine people stranded in Rasuwa due to the flooded Lhende stream near the Nepal-China border have been safely rescued.

Of the 37 reported missing, 22 are confirmed safe in a shelter, while 15 remain out of contact. A helicopter is on standby for rescue, but adverse… pic.twitter.com/GGMo1dwN4i

— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 8, 2025

In Nepal, the missing included six Chinese workers and three policemen, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Reports on the number of missing people vary, with local media sources reporting between 17 and 30 missing individuals. According to Xinhua and other reports, around 29 people were reported missing following the disaster. A more accurate figure is expected as authorities continue to assess the situation.

#Nepal: Nine people stranded in Rasuwa district were rescued safely after Lhende stream flooded near the Nepal-China border.

Out of 37 people, 22 are now safe in a shelter. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining 15 people.#Rasuwa #Lhende pic.twitter.com/zIre7stOGm

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 8, 2025

The missing Chinese nationals were working at the Inland Container Depot, under construction with Chinese assistance, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Kathmandu, according to Arjun Paudel, a senior administrative official in Rasuwa District.

नुवाकोट, विदुर नपा -१ लभ डाडा मिलन चौतारा बस्ने बर्ष ६७ को पाल्देन तामाङ र श्रीमती बर्ष ६२ को मंगली तामाङ त्रिशुली नदीको किनारामा दाउरा काट्न जाँदा चीनमा भएको बर्षाको कारण एक्कासी त्रिशुली नदीमा आएको बाढीमा फसेकोमा अहिले दुवैजनाको हेलिकोप्टरद्वारा सकुशल उद्धार भइसकेको। pic.twitter.com/OR3AETJgGo

— NDRRMA (@NDRRMA_Nepal) July 8, 2025

Local authorities conducted rescue operations using a helicopter and reported that nearly 100 rescue personnel were at the scene.

The Nepal Army rescued 11 people, including two police personnel. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, according to spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet. It remains unclear whether those rescued were among the missing.

आषाढ २४ गते विहान भोटेकोशी र त्रिशुली नदिमा आएको बाढीमा फसेका स्थानीयहरुको उद्धारमा नेपाली सेना#NepaliArmy#NAinRescueOps pic.twitter.com/YEmgPdw7HK

— Nepali Army (@NepaliArmyHQ) July 8, 2025

The Miteri Bridge is the main bridge connecting China and Nepal, facilitating a significant portion of trade through the Rasuwagadhi route. It is located about 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Kathmandu, and the flood damage has temporarily halted all trade between China and Nepal via this route.

Feature image credit: NDRRMA