KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs has called an emergency meeting in response to the devastating flood in Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa, which has caused widespread destruction and left at least 18 people missing, including three police officers and six Chinese nationals.

The Home Minister’s Secretariat confirmed that a joint meeting of the Central Security Committee and the Executive Committee of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the ministry.

The meeting aims to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures.

According to Rasuwa District Police, the flood struck around 3 a.m. Tuesday in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, Rasuwagadhi, following intense rainfall in the bordering Chinese region.

Among the 18 missing are Assistant Inspector of Police Lal Bahadur Shrestha from the Timure Area Police Office, and Police Constables Munna Thakur and Lokendra Bohara, who were involved in rescue operations.

The remaining missing individuals include nine Nepali civilians and six Chinese nationals.

The raging floodwaters also swept away the Miteri Bridge, a vital cross-border link between Nepal and China.

The destruction has halted all movement across the border since 4 a.m. Tuesday, causing significant disruption to trade and transit operations in the region.

The flood also caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the area. Authorities reported that 7 to 8 vehicles were washed away from an electric vehicle charging station in Gosainkunda-2.

Additionally, the flood hit the yard of the Rasuwa Customs Office and damaged the dam of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, raising concerns over energy supply and economic losses.

Security forces, including the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, have launched search and rescue operations.

However, continuous rainfall and hazardous terrain are posing significant challenges.

More updates are expected following the conclusion of the Home Ministry’s emergency meeting later today.