Eighty container drivers stranded in Kerung plead for repatriation

Dozens of Nepali container drivers remain stranded in Kerung, China, for the third consecutive day following flash floods that inundated the Bhotekoshi river. The drivers, who had crossed the border to collect goods, are now facing mounting expenses for food and lodging in local hotels.

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As we have been unable to return to Nepal for three days, the Chinese administration has begun compiling a roster of the stranded drivers. Eighty individuals have registered their names so far.

Krishna Bahadur Lamichhane, one of the stranded drivers, reported that the Chinese administration is compiling a list of those affected, with 80 individuals already registered. He expressed the drivers' urgent need for government intervention, stating, "We are holding out hope that the government will make the necessary arrangements for our home return." Many drivers are reportedly running low on funds and have been unable to contact their families.

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Some have not even been able to contact their families, and many are running out of money. We are holding out hope that the government will make the necessary arrangements for our home return.

Local authorities in Rasuwa, Nepal, have acknowledged the situation but stated they lack precise details. Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar noted that the primary route connecting Nepal and China via Rasuwagadhi has sustained extensive damage, including washed-away bridges, making immediate return impossible. "It could take months to reopen the route," Pariyar said, adding that the administration is coordinating with relevant ministries to find alternative repatriation solutions.

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It is currently impossible to bring them back to Nepal via the Rasuwagadhi border point. The road connecting Rasuwagadhi to Dhunche has sustained immense damage, and bridges have been washed away. It could take months to reopen the route.

Drivers have suggested returning via the Tatopani or Korala border points, though these are significantly farther from Kerung. They are seeking government facilitation for these alternative routes. Meanwhile, other Nepali nationals, including construction laborers and those in the hospitality and business sectors, are also reportedly stranded in Kerung.

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Locals in Kerung have suggested that we might be able to return to Nepal via the Tatopani or Korala border points. However, they mentioned that the Tatopani crossing is about 300 kilometres from Kerung, and the Korala crossing is more than twice that distance. The government must facilitate our return through these alternative border points.