More than 100 goods-carrying vehicles and numerous EV swept away in Rasuwagadhi flood

KATHMANDU: More than 100 cargo trucks and numerous EV vehicles parked at the Rasuwagadhi customs yard and the under-construction Timure dry port were swept away by the devastating flood that hit the region late Monday night, according to initial estimates from the government officials.

The disaster has inflicted heavy damage on Nepal’s northern border trade infrastructure with China, bringing cross-border logistics to a near halt and triggering a high-alert response among customs, trade officials, and automobile importers.

Major Losses Feared in Rasuwagadhi Dry Port and ICP Zone

Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Development Committee, Ashish Gajurel, confirmed that the majority of the vehicles swept away were carrying commercial goods bound for the Nepali market.

Although electric vehicles (EVs) stationed at a slightly higher elevation suffered less damage, the overall picture remains grim. “The exact number and extent of the damage are still being assessed, but early estimates suggest that over 100 vehicles were washed away,” Gajurel stated.

The damage was not limited to vehicles. Several critical infrastructures, including the parking area and retention walls of the under-construction Integrated Check Post (ICP), which is being developed by the Chinese government, have also sustained damage. One of the PIN structures of the ICP was reported to be destroyed.

230 Vehicles Were Parked at the Yard Before the Flood

According to officials, there were approximately 230 vehicles parked in the customs and dry port area prior to the flood. Some were relocated to safer zones on higher ground before the flooding worsened. However, many trucks loaded with import cargo could not be moved in time.

“Damage assessment is underway at the site. Only after that will we have a clearer understanding of the total loss,” Dhruv Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa said.

Automobile Sector Awaiting Full Report

President of the NADA Automobiles Association, Karan Kumar Chaudhary, acknowledged that no verified data had yet been received regarding the number of vehicles damaged or the brands affected. “We are still compiling statistics and coordinating with the government for updates,” Chaudhary said.

The vehicles in the yard reportedly included imported goods vehicles, trucks, and possibly automobiles awaiting customs clearance, many of which were meant for delivery ahead of the upcoming festive season. The Rasuwagadhi-Timure corridor is a critical gateway for goods entering Nepal from China.

Customs Operations Paralyzed, Trade on Hold

Following the destruction of the Miteri Bridge, the Rasuwagadhi customs point has been rendered inoperable, completely severing land-based trade between Nepal and China for the time being. The dry port and customs operations have been suspended, and the full impact on supply chains and the national automobile market remains uncertain.

Further details from the Rasuwa District Administration Office are expected in the coming days as officials reach the disaster site and assess the extent of damage.