Rasuwa flood: Seven bodies recovered, extensive damage to roads and customs yard

At least seven people have been confirmed dead after a flood swept through the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, with bodies recovered in Nuwakot and Dhading districts.

According to Bagmati Province Police Chief DIG Deepak Regmi, four bodies were found in Nuwakot and three in Dhading. The identities of some of the deceased have yet to be established.

Five people who were trapped by the flood have been rescued, while two injured people have been sent to Kathmandu for treatment. Police and other agencies are continuing rescue operations, collecting bodies and searching for people reported missing.

The flood has caused extensive destruction in Timure, a major settlement near the Rasuwagadhi border point. Witnesses said the flood struck suddenly at around 8:45 am, sweeping away houses, shops, government offices and other structures in the market area.

The Rasuwa Customs Office has also suffered heavy losses. More than 250 vehicles, including electric vehicles and transport trucks awaiting customs clearance, are believed to have been swept away from the customs yard. Several customs employees remain out of contact, while those who escaped are reportedly sheltering in higher ground above Timure.

The disaster has severely damaged transport infrastructure as well. According to the Department of Roads, around 42 kilometres of road from Betrawati in Nuwakot to the Rasuwagadhi border point have been completely damaged by the flood. Several concrete bridges along the route were also washed away.

A further 16-kilometre section between Syabrubesi and the border is being assessed, with details of the damage still being collected. Some road officials and supervisors in the affected area have also reportedly lost contact.

Authorities are continuing rescue and search operations while assessing the full extent of the human and material losses caused by the flood.