Nepal seeks bailey bridges as China sends tunnel experts after floods

Nepal has requested Bailey bridges from India, China and other governments as emergency assistance following widespread damage to roads and bridges caused by devastating floods in the country’s northern districts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally written to the governments of India and China seeking Bailey bridges, according to an adviser to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.

Floods originating in Rasuwa on Wednesday completely destroyed 41 bridges, disrupting key road links, including the main route to Dhading. A bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border point connecting Nepal with China was also swept away, while several other bridges, including one over the Trishuli River in Nuwakot, sustained significant damage.

The floods have affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and several other districts, with rescue and relief operations continuing in affected areas.

Rescue efforts are also underway at several hydropower projects where people remain trapped inside tunnels. At the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, excavation work is continuing to reach those trapped inside the tunnel.

Other hydropower projects and areas buried or swept away by the floods are also undergoing search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, two teams of tunnel experts from China are expected to arrive in Nepal to assist with the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulted the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and security agencies before seeking international assistance. The consultations identified Bailey bridges as an immediate requirement to restore road connectivity.

Nepal has also informed other countries that have expressed interest in providing assistance that requests will be made according to the country’s immediate needs.