5 days ago

Nepal Flood Sweeps Away 400 Container Trucks, Over 1,000 Missing

A large flood hit the Bhotekoshi River area in Nepal.

The water damaged roads and swept away many trucks.

More than 400 trucks may have been lost or stranded.

More than 1,000 people connected to the trucks may also be missing or stranded.

These people included drivers, helpers, workers, traders and customs agents.

Many trucks were carrying goods for upcoming festivals.

Transport officials say some trucks had already passed customs but were forced to wait by the road.

They say the trucks were left in an unsafe place when the flood and landslides happened.

Officials still do not know the exact condition of many trucks and people.

Key facts

Reported trucks affected: More than 400 container trucks were swept away or stranded.
People potentially affected: More than 1,000 drivers, helpers, workers, traders and customs agents may be missing or stranded.
Main disaster area: The Bhotekoshi River area around the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point and Trishuli Corridor.
Registered fleet: The Nepal Truck Container Transport Service reportedly has 966 registered container trucks.
Trucks headed toward Kerung: Around 175 trucks had traveled toward Kerung shortly before the disaster, according to Arjun Bahadur Sapkota.
Trucks reportedly held roadside: Transport operators said 70 to 80 trucks that had completed customs clearance were kept beside the highway for three or four days.
Travel restriction: The Dhunche national park checkpoint reportedly allowed vehicles to operate only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

thestatesman.com · 5 days ago