Kathmandu Traffic Disrupted: Rasuwa Floods Close Prithvi Highway, Impact Customs Operations and Infrastructure

The Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Federation has reported that the flood in Rasuwa has swept away freight vehicles at the Timure customs yard. Initial reports indicate significant damage to vehicles parked in the Betrawati area. Some transport workers and business operators are currently missing. The federation has urged affected individuals to stay in contact with relevant organizations and follow safety instructions issued by security agencies. The risk of flooding remains high, and caution is advised for those near riverbanks and surrounding areas.

The Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has expressed deep sympathy for the victims of the recent floods in Rasuwa, emphasizing the importance of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route for Nepal's auto supply chain. NADA has urged the government to conduct a detailed damage assessment and expedite the restoration of transport infrastructure to ensure the smooth operation of trade activities. They also highlighted the need for effective coordination among all stakeholders to facilitate rescue and recovery efforts.

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has announced its readiness to assist government and security agencies in the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts following the devastating floods in Rasuwagadhi. NAIMA expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure and property in areas like Timure and Syabrubesi. The association paid tribute to the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, local administration, and rescue personnel for their ongoing efforts. NAIMA also urged residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow safety instructions.

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by the recent floods in Rasuwa. Significant damage has been reported to infrastructure and property in Timure, Syafrubesi, and Rasuwagadhi. Police posts in these areas have also been affected. NAIMA has expressed its readiness to cooperate with government and security agencies in rescue and relief efforts, urging citizens in potentially affected areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety instructions.

Reports have emerged of unconfirmed flood damage at the Rasuwagadhi customs yard in Rasuwa, where vehicles are feared to have been swept away. The Ministry of Finance is reportedly assessing the extent of the damage and working to establish contact with customs employees. The Rasuwagadhi Customs Office has 36 permanent employees, with efforts ongoing to locate 11 permanent and three contract workers who remain unaccounted for.

A major road link between Dhadingbesi and the Prithvi Highway has been swept away by a flood in the Trishuli River on Wednesday morning.

The collapsed bridge was the main crossing over the Trishuli River for residents travelling between Dhadingbesi, the district headquarters of Dhading, and the Prithvi Highway toward Kathmandu. With the structure gone, direct road connectivity to Kathmandu from the far side of the Trishuli River is currently cut off.

Kathmandu – Public transport services on Prithvi Highway and Pasang Lhamu Highway have been temporarily stopped after heavy flooding and landslides in the Bhotekoshi area on Wednesday morning.

Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Nareshraj Subedi, said vehicles heading from Kathmandu towards Chitwan, Pokhara, Gorkha, Lamjung, Dhading, Nuwakot and Rasuwa via Prithvi Highway have been held in Kathmandu for now.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked people not to travel on key roads along the Trishuli River after flooding was reported in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.

Authorities want travellers to avoid these routes: - Prithvi Highway - Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road - Muglin–Narayangadh road

A sudden flood in Lhende Khola on Wednesday morning has caused major damage at the Rasuwagadhi customs point in Rasuwa, affecting vehicle and cargo movement along this key trade corridor.

According to local authorities, the flood came from the Tibet side at around 9 a.m., damaging the Rasuwagadhi customs yard and parts of the Timure area. Customs infrastructure and border operations have been disrupted, which is likely to impact trucks and other vehicles using this crossing.