KATHMANDU, July 8: Despite no significant rainfall in Nepal or China, a sudden flood was reported in the Lhende Khola near the Nepal–China border in Rasuwa district, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DoHM). The department said the cause of the flood is still under investigation, as nearby weather stations—Kyanjin and Dhunche—only recorded light rain over the past 24 hours.
Meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari noted that there had been no heavy rainfall on either side of the border, and the monsoon trough remained close to its average position. He emphasized that the department will only release conclusions after further study.
Satellite-based rainfall estimates from the World Meteorological Organization's Flash Flood Guidance System also showed no rainfall in the Bhote Koshi river basin within the last 24 hours, adding to the mystery of the flood's origin.
Glacial lake outburst suspected
Flood expert Binod Parajuli from the DoHM's Flood Forecasting Division suspects a glacial lake burst in either Nepal or China may have triggered the flood. “Flooding in the absence of heavy rain points to a possible glacial lake outburst,” Parajuli said, adding that a definitive cause has yet to be confirmed. The department plans to release verified information within two to three days following a detailed assessment.
Preliminary report released
A preliminary study by the Flood Forecasting Division indicates that a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River from Tibet around 3 a.m. today. Data from the automatic hydrological station near the Rasuwagadhi hydropower project recorded a rapid rise in water level—around 3.5 meters—at 3:10 a.m. Further downstream, at the Syafrubesi station, the water level spiked from 3.65 meters at 3:30 a.m. to 5.37 meters by 3:40 a.m., after which data transmission abruptly stopped. Contact with the gauge reader was re-established at 6 a.m., who confirmed the station had been swept away.
At another station located in Betrabati, Nuwakot—41 kilometers downstream—the flood reached at around 5:00 a.m. The water level there surged from 1.60 meters (220 cubic meters per second) to 3.63 meters at 5:10 a.m., eventually peaking at 4.18 meters (1,600 cubic meters per second) at 5:50 a.m.
According to the report, the flood had a major impact on Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa, a moderate impact in the Trishuli basin of Nuwakot, and minor effects reaching as far as Benighat in Dhading. The department issued SMS alerts to stakeholders and local residents at 6:30 a.m., urging them to remain cautious.
Caution advised in Trishuli river basin
Flood expert Parajuli urged residents living in the lower Trishuli basin to stay alert as water levels at the Betrabati station remain near the warning threshold and are still rising. He emphasized that the department is continuously monitoring the situation.
Given the presence of several glacial lakes in Tibet’s Bhote Koshi catchment, the department has requested satellite imagery via the Sentinel Asia emergency observation platform to determine the flood’s cause and assess its impact.
Risk persists despite declining flow
Although the floodwaters are receding, Parajuli warned that risks remain, especially along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. Residents from Rasuwagadhi down to Benighat in Dhading are advised to remain on alert until further notice. He added that investigations are ongoing and updates will be provided regularly.
No flood risk in next three days
Experts from the department said no major flood risks are expected in the next three days. Meteorologist Adhikari mentioned that while light to moderate rain is likely across much of the country, there is little chance of heavy or extreme rainfall during this period. Parajuli confirmed there is no flood threat forecast for the next three days.
18 missing, including police personnel and Chinese nationals
The flood in Lhende Khola near the Nepal–China border has left 18 people missing, including both Nepali and Chinese nationals. According to APF spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, the missing include nine Nepali workers at the Rasuwagadhi customs yard, three police personnel stationed at the Timure Area Police Office, and six unidentified Chinese men.
Among the missing police personnel are Assistant Sub-Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha, 42, from Ramechhap, Constable Munna Thakur, 24, from Bara, and Constable Lokendra Bohora, 23, from Bajhang. Other missing individuals include Jeewan Chaudhary, 36, Santosh Dait, 35, Buddhiram Tharu, 25, Laxminarayan Tharu, 24, and Suresh Tharu, 30, all from Bardiya; Narendra Bik from Baglung; container driver Phurba Lama from Sindhupalchok; and Hilux driver Govinda Moktan and Lokman Tamang.
Infrastructure damage
The flood washed away the Bailey bridge over the Trishuli River in Mailung, Uttargaya-1, along the Galchi–Betrabati–Syafrubesi road section. A nearby concrete bridge under construction was also clogged with mud and debris. The flood also damaged the dam of the Trishuli 3A hydropower project.
RSS