Rasuwa — Nepal is racing against time to bring home nearly 1,200 of its citizens who’ve been stranded in Kerung, a Chinese border town, after a powerful flood washed away a crucial bridge connecting the two countries. Most of those stuck are truck drivers, their assistants, and workers who had traveled there for jobs.
The disaster struck on July 8 (24th Asar in the Nepali calendar), following days of relentless rainfall. The flood swept away the Miteri Bridge over the Lhendup River — the main crossing point between Nepal and China through Rasuwa. With that connection gone, hundreds of Nepalis have been left unable to return home.
Arjun Paudel, Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, said around 1,200 Nepali nationals are currently stranded in the Kerung area. Out of them, 91 have been confirmed as truck drivers and helpers, while another 117 have already asked local officials for help getting back home.
In the meantime, Chinese authorities have stepped in to provide temporary shelter, meals, and other essentials to those affected. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working closely with Chinese counterparts to make sure the repatriation process moves ahead safely and without delay.
With the Miteri Bridge now gone, both governments are exploring alternative routes to get people across the border. But with rough terrain and unpredictable weather in the mix, it may take some time.
Still, Nepal has assured that it’s doing everything it can to bring its people home as quickly as possible. Local officials, security agencies, and cross-border teams are all actively involved to make it happen.
