Kathmandu, July 8 || As many as 18 people are missing following sudden flash floods that struck Nepal's Rasuwa district early on Tuesday, according to local media reports.
The missing included three police personnel, nine civilians, and six Chinese nationals, according to the Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa.
Additionally, according to the official, the massive flood swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge and several newly imported electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port.
"The flood has swept away the Friendship Bridge and several EVs at the dry port. There is suspicion that some people were inside vehicles when the flood hit, but that is yet to be confirmed," leading Nepalese newspaper The Kathmandu Post, quoted Arjun Paudel, chief district officer of Rasuwa, as saying.
He mentioned that many individuals caught in the flood, including security personnel, who were involved in the rescue operation, were brought to safety.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday took to his social media, stating that the government is on "war footing" to rescue those impacted by the flood.