Beijing, September 6: Chinese authorities have launched a major recovery operation after severe flooding destroyed a key border crossing between China and Nepal, leaving extensive damage and disrupting a vital trade route.

Workers and rescue teams are searching through the remains of the flood-damaged area for victims and survivors. Chinese officials said 12 additional bodies were recovered as the search continued at the site of the destroyed port.

The flooding caused extensive destruction around the Gyirong border area, with buildings and infrastructure swept away by powerful floodwaters. The border crossing had served as an important route for trade and movement between China and Nepal.

Rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and inspect damaged structures as authorities assess the scale of the destruction. The operation remains challenging because large sections of the area have been buried or damaged by flood debris.

The disaster has also raised concerns about the impact on cross-border commerce, with the damaged infrastructure expected to disrupt transportation and trade between the two countries.

Authorities are continuing search and recovery efforts while assessing the possibility of further damage in surrounding areas.