Kathmandu, July 8 (BNA): A mountain river flooded by monsoon rains swept away the main bridge connecting Nepal with China and 18 people were also swept away by the flooding on Tuesday, Nepali authorities said.

Rescue efforts were underway as officials assessed the damage and searched for the missing people. Police said 95 rescuers were already in the area and more are expected to join in rescue efforts.

The flooding on the Bhotekoshi River destroyed the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi, which is 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Kathmandu, in the early hours of Tuesday, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The destruction of the bridge has halted all trade from China to Nepal along this route. Monsoon rains that begin in June and end in September often cause severe flooding in Nepal, disrupting infrastructure and endangering lives.

H.K, A.J