Kathmandu, July 8
A preliminary estimate suggests that more than 100 cargo vehicles have been swept away by floods at the Rasuwagadhi customs yard and the under-construction Timure dry port in Rasuwa district.
According to Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, most of the vehicles swept away were loaded with goods. Fortunately, electric vehicles (EVs), which were parked farther away from the flood zone, are believed to have sustained minimal damage.
“The exact number of vehicles and full extent of the damage will be confirmed after a detailed assessment, but the initial estimate indicates over 100 vehicles have been carried away,” said Gajurel.
He added that around 230 vehicles were parked in the customs yard, though some were reportedly moved to higher ground before the flood struck. “Damage assessment is ongoing at the site, and we’ll have a clearer picture once it’s complete,” he added.
Karan Chaudhary, President of the NADA Automobiles Association, said that the association is still collecting data on the number and brands of vehicles affected. “We’re coordinating with the government and gathering details,” he said.
Power generation halted in Rasuwa projects
The flood has also severely impacted power production in the area. According to Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), a total of 200 megawatts of electricity generation has been halted due to flood damage.
At the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, one of the gates of the dam was swept away, and the bridge connecting the project site was also damaged, halting movement to and from the area. While the tailrace section of the project avoided structural damage, heavy debris has accumulated there. Fortunately, the powerhouse itself remains intact.
Meanwhile, the 60 MW Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project has also been affected. Although a detailed report is still pending, floodwaters have entered the project’s buildings. The Trishuli 3B substation is reportedly covered in mud, and power generation from the project has been suspended.
Similarly, while floodwaters entered the Chilime Hydropower Project’s powerhouse, no major damage has been reported. However, one bypass transmission tower along the Trishuli River has been washed away.
Due to the shutdown of these projects, a total of 200 megawatts of electricity production in the Trishuli corridor has come to a halt, Shakya confirmed.
Majority of missing Nepalis in Rasuwa flood are workers (List)
Eighteen people have gone missing in the Rasuwa floods triggered by heavy water flow from the Chinese side. Joint rescue efforts by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force have successfully rescued nine individuals so far.
According to the Armed Police Force, among the missing are police personnel from the Area Police Office in Timure, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha and constables Munna Thakur and Lokendra Bohora.
Six of the missing are Chinese nationals. As per the list provided by the Armed Police, the missing Chinese citizens are identified as Yu Yue, Li Huaqing, Yang Chuan, Yu Hai Hang, You Xiao Qiu, and Jou Yong.
The missing Nepali citizens include several workers: Jipan Chaudhary, Santosh Dait, Buddhiram Tharu, Laxminarayan Tharu, and Suresh Tharu—all from Bardiya district; Narendra BK from Baglung; container truck driver Phurba Lama; mixer truck driver Govinda Moktan; and Hilux driver Lokman Tamang.
The flood, which occurred last night, has caused significant damage to the Nepal–China Friendship Bridge, the customs office, and other surrounding areas. Seven electric vehicles (EVs) parked at the dry port were also swept away. Damage has also been reported at the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower dam and workers’ camp.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas.
