Flood fury destroys 41 bridges, exposing design failure
Summary
A flood from Tibet through the Bhotekoshi River swept away 41 bridges and damaged three others along the Trishuli corridor, badly disrupting the northern trade route and local transport. Experts say bridge designs in mountainous areas will need urgent revision after permanent structures also failed.
Key Points
- The August 26 flood swept away 41 of 63 bridges and damaged three others along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli stretch from Rasuwagadhi to Muglin.
- Rasuwa was the worst hit district, with the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi and several key Bailey and permanent bridges destroyed.
- The Department of Roads says the flood exposed design failures, as many bridges were overtopped by unusually high and fast flow carrying rocks and mud.
- The destruction has cut off access to upper areas and severely disrupted the northern trade route with China, daily life and hydropower projects.
