Rasuwa, – A devastating flash flood that swept through the Lhendekhola area of Rasuwa district on July 8 (Asar 24) has caused significant destruction in the sensitive Nepal–China border region. The disaster has particularly impacted the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung trade route, where several electric vehicles (EVs) awaiting customs clearance were washed away—dealing a serious blow to Nepal’s automobile import sector.
The flood, described as severe by local authorities, inundated the customs yard where vehicles were parked for inspection and clearance. Security personnel deployed in the area reported that the floodwaters carried away multiple vehicles, many of which were brand-new EVs imported from China.
So far, eight vehicles have been recovered by search and rescue teams. However, several others remain missing. In addition to the loss of vehicles, the floodwaters have also severely damaged critical infrastructure, including an under-construction dry port and containers stationed at the customs premises. These structures were seen as vital to the future of cross-border trade and logistics, but now face serious uncertainty.
Karan Chaudhary, President of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal—the country’s leading automobile industry body—issued a public statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. According to Chaudhary, the damage is not only physical but also poses a long-term threat to the nation’s vehicle import system.
“The flood has severely disrupted the automobile supply chain operating through the Kerung trade route. The consequences of this disaster will be felt for a long time,” Chaudhary stated. “In this difficult hour, we extend our deepest sympathies to all the victims affected by this tragic event.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the resilience of Nepal’s trade infrastructure in the face of natural disasters, especially in vulnerable mountainous regions. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent government intervention and a reassessment of customs and logistics infrastructure in high-risk areas.
