A devastating flood along the Nepal–China border has left 18 people missing, including 12 Nepali nationals and six Chinese workers, local officials confirmed on Tuesday. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the Lhendekhola river overflowed from Tibet into Nepal, sweeping away bridges, vehicles, and critical infrastructure in the Rasuwa district.

The flood severely damaged the Pasang Lhamu Highway, cutting off access to Rasuwagadhi and hampering rescue efforts. Among the missing are three police officers, and a search operation is underway, though poor weather is complicating efforts, said Assistant Chief District Officer Druba Prasad Adhikari.

Landslides and road erosion have blocked the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi section, while floodwaters also swept away electric vehicles and containers near Timure and the Rasuwa Customs Yard.

The Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project dam was severely hit, alongside multiple other stations including Trishuli 3A and Devighat, halting around 200 megawatts of power generation. Chilime Hydropower CEO Baburaja Maharjan said restoration could take months, with external infrastructure completely destroyed.

While the national power grid remains stable due to other hydropower stations operating at capacity during monsoon, the long-term impact on regional power supply is concerning.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to stay away from riverbanks and avoid unnecessary travel.