Rasuwagadhi Flash Flood Destroys Friendship Bridge, Halts Nepal-China Trade
- Event Title
- Rasuwagadhi Flash Flood Destroys Friendship Bridge, Halts Nepal-China Trade
- Details
Event Overview
On July 8, 2025, a catastrophic flash flood triggered by heavy monsoon rains and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the Tibet region of China struck the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, completely sweeping away the Friendship Bridge (Maitri Pul).
Key Facts
- Impact: The disaster claimed at least 8 lives and left dozens missing. It also destroyed hundreds of cargo trucks and electric vehicles parked near the border.
- Trade Disruption: Bilateral trade between Nepal and China was completely halted.
- Geographic Significance: The Rasuwagadhi crossing, connected via the Pasang Lhamu Highway, serves as Nepal's second major land trade route with China (the other major one being Tatopani along the Araniko Highway).
- Date
- 2025-07-08
- Category
- Environment
- CMAT Significance
- High CMAT priority — Rasuwagadhi/Pasang Lhamu Highway strategic importance, GLOF from Tibet, and Nepal-China trade disruption are all testable facts.