Huge Damage in Rasuwa Gadhi Flood Due to China’s Negligence: MP Khan

China Responsible for the Damage Caused by Rasuwa Flood: MP Khan
Lack of Prior Information from China Caused Massive Loss of Life and Property in Rasuwa Flood: MP Khan

Kathmandu — Abdul Khan, National Vice President of Janamat Party and Member of the House of Representatives, has stated that the massive loss of life and property in Rasuwa was caused due to China’s failure to provide prior information.

In the House of Representatives meeting held on Sunday, MP Khan urged that the Chinese government must take responsibility for the damages caused by the flood that struck Rasuwa Gadhi of Rasuwa district on 24th Asar (Nepali calendar).

The sudden flood at the Nepal-China border area of Rasuwa Gadhi caused widespread destruction and heavy loss of life and property. The flood originated from neighboring Tibet and inundated major parts of Rasuwa Gadhi town.

MP Khan said that if timely prior warning had been given by China, the water could have been controlled and rescue and relief efforts could have been undertaken, and therefore China must take responsibility for this incident.

“Currently, there is a cloud of worry and grief over two municipalities in my own area in Bardiya district. While on official work, I had reached Rasuwa Gadhi searching for the future of my family. According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the flood resulted from the bursting of a ‘supraglacial’ lake in Tibet. Among the victims were Jippan Chaudhary (36), Santosh Daeit (35), and Buddhi Ram Tharu (25) from Fenapati and Gumasta villages of Ward No. 10, Barabardiya Municipality, Bardiya district, who were working at the Rasuwa Gadhi Hydroelectric Project. Similarly, Laxman Narayan Chaudhary (24) and Suresh Tharu (30) from Bhadahi village, Ward No. 6, Badaiyatale Rural Municipality, are reported missing,” he said.

Expressing concern about the condition of the families, relatives, and villages of those missing, he strongly demanded the government to make the status of the missing persons public.

He explained that the flood was not caused by rainfall but by the bursting of the supraglacial lake located in the Langtang area of Tibet, whose water transformed into a devastating flood in Rasuwa. So far, nine bodies have been recovered, and the status of about 18-19 people remains unknown.

He said, “It is very unfortunate to say that China did not provide any prior information about river flow, rainfall levels, or weather conditions, acting contrary to international standards. Both countries should have immediately joined hands with full alertness to carry out rescue operations, but various investigations indicate that China delayed even in this effort.”

The incident washed away hundreds of vehicles including EVs, trucks, and cars, and also caused damage to the hydropower project. Several physical infrastructures including the Miteri Bridge were completely destroyed.

“Who should be held responsible for such damage to life and property?” MP Khan questioned. “If this event occurred due to climate change, then China and the international community must take responsibility and provide compensation to Nepal according to international protocols. Additionally, it is urgently necessary for the government to be serious about joint strategies and policies between China and Nepal to prevent such incidents in the future.”