KATHMANDU: A landslide struck near the Nepal–China border post in Rasuwagadhi on Sunday morning, halting construction work and damaging infrastructure in the area. The landslide occurred about 200 meters ahead of the border post with a loud noise around 8 a.m.
Binay Das Tharu, a 19-year-old from Parsa working at a garage in Ghattekhola near the post, was injured after a stone struck his head. He received first aid at the Timure health post and was later referred to Kathmandu for further treatment, according to Police Inspector Krishna Dhital of the District Police Office.
“The landslide, which involved heavy rocks, spread over an area of approximately 400 to 500 meters. The exact height from which the debris fell is still unknown,” Inspector Dhital told Khabarhub. “The slope of the integrated border check post has been damaged, and the roof of the nearby health post was also hit.”
In addition to structural damage, the landslide also affected several vehicles and equipment stationed at the site, including a tractor, a Scorpio SUV, and an excavator.
Vehicle movement along the 17-kilometer Syafrubesi–Rasuwa road section has already been disrupted since July 14 due to continuous rainfall. Following Sunday’s landslide, pedestrian movement was also restricted near the Rasuwa Hydropower Project dam due to ongoing risk.
“Loose soil is still falling from above, and pedestrian access has been stopped for safety,” Inspector Dhital added.
Tulsiram Bhattarai, Chief of the Rasuwa Customs Office, said that frequent landslides in the area known as ‘Rasuwa Naka Height’ have prevented the installation of protective cabinet netting.
“Although netting was placed up to 200 meters above the road to prevent winter landslides, the area remains unstable, making efforts to open the border increasingly difficult,” he said.
Bhattarai also confirmed that the construction of a temporary bridge over the Lhende River at the Nepal–China border has been suspended. “Flooding has continued, and the hummock pipe installed by the Chinese side is being washed away repeatedly. This has forced us to halt the installation of the Bailey bridge as well,” he explained.
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