The Nepal flash floods have disrupted cross-border trade between India and Nepal, with the movement of goods vehicles to Kathmandu and other parts of the country affected by damaged and flooded roads.
A queue stretching around 16 km has formed on the Indian side of the Sonauli border in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj, as cargo trucks wait to enter Nepal. The disruption has affected vehicles headed not only towards Kathmandu but also towards other parts of Nepal.
16-Km Cargo Truck Queue At Sonauli
Cargo vehicles have been facing prolonged delays as traffic movement on several routes in Nepal remains affected by flooding and damaged roads.
The truck queue has extended towards Nautanwa, raising concerns about traffic movement along the national highway.
Security agencies and police personnel are monitoring the situation and regulating the movement of vehicles at the border.
Circle Officer Basant Singh said surveillance at the Sonauli border has been intensified, while police station heads in the border areas have been directed to remain alert.
“Surveillance at the Sonauli border has been intensified, and police station heads in the border areas have been directed to remain alert.”
Officials warned that the situation could worsen if road connectivity in Nepal is not restored soon, potentially causing further delays in the movement and supply of goods between the two countries.
Maharajganj Residents Returning From Nepal
The floods have also affected residents of Maharajganj who work in Nepal.
Raj Kumar Gautam, a resident of Jagarnathpur village, is returning home after escaping the flood situation in Nepal. Gautam had been working as a furniture worker in Kathmandu for nearly a year.
Gautam told his family over the phone that the situation was terrifying, with several families devastated and people struggling to reach safer places amid panic and chaos.
His daughter, Ankita, said she spoke to him around 4 pm on Thursday, when he informed the family that he was returning home by bus via Bihar.
Gautam is the sole earning member of his family and supports the livelihood and education of his children.
Vigilance Intensified In Kushinagar
In neighbouring Kushinagar, authorities have also intensified vigilance along the 17.5-km embankment between Narwajot and Ahirauli.
Revenue, police and flood-control teams are monitoring vulnerable stretches, while vigilance has been increased in riverside villages.
Additional District Magistrate Vaibhav Mishra said authorities had stepped up monitoring in the affected areas.
Household Items Swept Away By Strong Currents
Residents near Chhitauni and Valmikinagar reported seeing household items, including a gas cylinder, bed and refrigerator, being carried away by strong currents. Some locals managed to pull the items out of the water.
NDRF and SDRF teams remain deployed in villages, while PAC and water police personnel have also been put on alert.
Other small seasonal rivers and water channels in the area are being monitored closely as authorities continue to keep a watch on vulnerable stretches.
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