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.
How this developed
10 updatesMaxus Nepal pledges Rs 70 lakh for flood relief
Maxus Nepal, in collaboration with SAIC Maxus Automotive Company Limited China, has pledged Rs 70 lakh for flood relief and recovery efforts in Nepal. Of this amount, Rs 50 lakh will be donated to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, while Rs 20 lakh will be used to purchase essential relief materials for distribution in the most affected areas. Maxus Nepal is coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure effective and transparent implementation of the relief efforts.
BYD and Cimex donate Rs 70 million for flood relief
BYD and its authorized distributor in Nepal, Cimex Inc., have announced a donation of Rs 70 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. This contribution aims to support the government's efforts in rescue, medical treatment, immediate relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure following the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. Liu Xueliang, Vice President of BYD Group, expressed solidarity with the affected families and communities.
NADA Auto Show continues despite flood, Jetour launch delayed
The NADA Auto Show 2026 will continue at Bhrikutimandap through August 30, despite the recent Bhote Koshi floods. The decision aims to maintain economic activity during this challenging period. However, the floods have delayed the launch of SUVs for Jetour's Nepal debut, as they were stranded along the Bhotekoshi route and could not reach Kathmandu in time.
Mega Motors donates Rs 1 million to flood relief
Mega Motors Pvt. Ltd. has contributed Rs 1 million to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts for those affected by the Bhote Koshi River floods. Mahesh Pal, Managing Director of Mega Motors, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property, stating that the company stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This contribution aims to aid ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in the region.
Golchha Group pledges Rs 15 million for flood relief
Shekhar Golchha, Chairman and Managing Director of Golchha Group, has announced a contribution of Rs 15 million to support flood relief efforts. The funds will be directed to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. Golchha urged the private sector to support the government and communities during this crisis, emphasizing the importance of rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the Bhote Koshi floods.
Customs advises shift to Korala border after Rasuwagadhi flood
The Department of Customs has urged traders and cargo operators to consider the Korala border point in Mustang as an alternative route following the devastating floods in Rasuwa. The flash floods on August 26 caused extensive damage to infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors, severely affecting the Rasuwagadhi Customs Office and surrounding trade infrastructure. This advisory aims to maintain cross-border trade flow during the relief and reconstruction period.
Over 1,300 vehicles damaged, transport services suspended
The Bhote Koshi flood has damaged over 1,300 vehicles, including 600 freight and 300 passenger vehicles. The Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation reports that the flood affected vehicles at customs, those traveling to Rasuwa and Gosainkunda, and those parked for customs clearance. Transport services in the affected areas have been suspended until further notice, according to Federation Secretary Dekenath Gautam, who has called for immediate rescue and relief efforts.
NADA pledges Rs 1 million flood aid, Auto Show continues
The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA) has announced Rs 1 million in financial support for people affected by the Bhote Koshi floods. The funds will be directed to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund to aid rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Despite the disaster, the NADA Auto Show 2026 will continue as planned from August 25-30 in Kathmandu, aiming to maintain economic activity during this challenging time.
Auto brands express solidarity as flood affects multiple districts
The recent Bhote Koshi flash flood has impacted several districts including Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. More than 700 electric vehicles and over 200 containers carrying goods have been swept away. Additionally, the flood has damaged over 50 kilometers of roads and more than 35 bridges. Major automobile brands in Nepal have expressed solidarity and support for the affected communities, urging unity and patience during the recovery process.
Flood damages roads and bridges in Rasuwa
The recent flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River has not only swept away hundreds of vehicles but also caused significant damage to infrastructure. At least 40 kilometers of roads and 19 bridges have been damaged or washed away, including several sections of the Galchhi-Mailung-Rasuwagadhi road. The Department of Roads has mobilized heavy machinery to clear landslides and begin restoration work, deploying technical teams and equipment to affected areas.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.



