Hundreds of new vehicles swept away
A sudden flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River, triggered from the Chinese side, has hit Timure and the Rasuwagadhi customs area hard. This is Nepal's main vehicle import hub, and the damage is severe.
Around 800 new vehicles parked in Bhote Koshi and Rasuwagadhi customs yards have been swept away. Nearly 200 containers awaiting clearance went with them.
Many of these vehicles were brought in for the Dashain and Tihar season. Both electric and petrol models were among them.
Initial internal estimates point to losses of roughly: - About 200 BYD vehicles - Around 180 MG units - More than 80 EVs imported by MAW Group - Over 60 Omoda vehicles - More than 50 Foton vehicles
Vehicles from other brands parked in the same yards have also been caught in the flood.
Heavy impact at Rasuwagadhi customs
At Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure, around 300-400 vehicles under customs check have been washed away, along with various goods that were stored for inspection.
The disaster has hit customs staff hard too. Out of 36 permanent staff at the office, only 25 are currently in contact, including Chief Customs Administrator Rajendra Dhungana. Five employees remain missing. Among 4 contract and daily-wage staff, only 1 is confirmed in contact so far.
For Nepali buyers and dealers, this means a short-term supply disruption for imported EVs and cross-border cargo. Damage assessment and restoration of trade routes will take time.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
