Sindhupalchok, July 23 – Nepali nationals stranded in China after a devastating flood in the Lhendhe River on Asar 24 (early July) are finally returning home today via the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchok.
The flood had swept away the Nepal–China friendship bridge, preventing many Nepalis from returning home. Following diplomatic efforts, including an appeal made on Monday by Rasuwa’s Member of Parliament, Engineer Mohan Acharya, to Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the repatriation process has now been initiated.
During the meeting, MP Acharya raised concerns about the delay in bringing back Nepalis stranded in Kerung, the need for a temporary bridge linking Nepal and China, reconstruction of the friendship bridge, and the establishment of a weather information-sharing system between the two nations.
As a result of these efforts, the stranded Nepalis are now being brought back to Nepal via the Tatopani border point, as the friendship bridge at Rasuwagadhi is still not operational despite the Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road section being reopened.
According to Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, Arjun Paudel, 203 Nepalis are being repatriated today. This includes drivers, patients, and individuals who had run out of essential medications.
The Nepal Government has arranged transportation from Tatopani to Kathmandu, while the Chinese authorities facilitated transportation within China to the border.
