Even as experts continue investigating the cause of the devastating flash flood that struck Nepal's Rasuwa district – bordering Tibet, China – early Tuesday morning, at least nine bodies have been recovered and 19 people remain missing. The disaster has also caused widespread destruction to infrastructure. What has baffled authorities is that there was no extreme rainfall in the area, raising new concerns that heavy precipitation may no longer be the sole trigger for flash floods. No significant rainfall was recorded either in Nepal or in Tibet to the north, prompting speculation that a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or a landslide lake outburst flood (LLOF) may have been responsible. However, experts say it is still too early to confirm the exact cause. The flash flood occurred suddenly around 3 in the morning when massive floodwaters from Tibet entered the Bhotekoshi River, raising the water level by 3.5 meters in Timure, Rasuwa.

In addition to the confirmed casualties and missing individuals – including Nepal Police personnel and both Nepali and Chinese nationals – the flood has inflicted severe damage on roads, hydropower stations and trade infrastructure. Among the hardest-hit infrastructure assets is the Friendship Bridge, which links Nepal with China; it was washed away by the floodwaters. The road from Syafrubesi to the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint has been closed, disrupting cross-border movement. The flood also swept away 23 cargo containers, six freight vehicles and 35 newly imported electric vehicles from China that were parked at the dry port of the Nepal-China customs point. The region's hydropower infrastructure – namely, the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 20-MW Chilime, 60-MW Upper Trishuli A, 21-MW Trishuli and 15-MW Benighat project – has suffered significant damage. Altogether, these damages have disrupted an estimated 200 MW of electricity generation – just as these projects were expected to operate at full capacity during the rainy season.

The swift response by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in launching search and rescue operations after the Rasuwa flash flood is commendable. But, the devastating flood has also highlighted a lack of transboundary communication. As a neighboring country, China failed to promptly inform Nepali authorities about the flood originating from a local tributary in Tibet. This delay in communication contributed to the extent of the damage in Nepal.

In such crises, the role of security personnel is vital and must be fully supported by the government in their rescue and rehabilitation efforts. However, the situation remains deeply alarming. The damage to critical energy infrastructure demands that the government act urgently to restore the damaged hydropower projects. Trade through the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint has stopped completely following the destruction of the newly built Friendship Bridge. With no immediate alternative, the government must revive operations at the Tatopani customs point, despite its current disrepair. The flash flood is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities Nepal faces due to its fragile geography and growing climate risks. In light of this disaster, Nepal needs a more robust early warning and preparedness system. To prevent future loss of life and property, greater cross-border coordination with China is essential to establish a real-time data-sharing mechanism – particularly concerning river discharge, glacial activity and climate conditions.