KATHMANDU: More than 200 Nepali nationals who were stranded in China’s Kerung after a flood washed away the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi are being brought back to Nepal today, according to Nepali officials.
The repatriation effort follows a flash flood on July 8 that destroyed the key bridge over the Bhotekoshi River at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, cutting off movement between Nepal and China. As a result, nearly 200 Nepalis became stranded on the Chinese side of the border.
According to Laxmi Prasad Niraula, Nepal’s Consul General in Lhasa, a total of 203 Nepalis had been provided temporary shelter and assistance by Chinese authorities in Kerung. After diplomatic coordination between the two countries, arrangements were made for their safe return.
Early Wednesday morning, the group began their journey from Kerung to the Tatopani border crossing in Chinese vehicles. Upon arrival at Tatopani, they will be handed over to Nepali officials.
Officials say the return operation was made possible through close coordination between the Nepali Consulate in Lhasa and Chinese authorities. The returnees are expected to reach Nepal later today, where further assistance and support will be provided as needed.
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