Transport workers among those affected by catastrophic floods on Nepal-China border triggered by glacial collapse.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) sends it solidarity and deepest sympathies to the people of Nepal in the aftermath of yesterday’s catastrophic floods.
Current reports estimate that at least 350 people have died and more than 900 are believed missing in Nepal, with more than 500 confirmed missing and three confirmed dead in Gyirong County, Tibet.
The ITF has three affiliated unions in Nepal, the Union of Trekking, Travels, Rafting and Airlines Workers (UNITRAV), the Nepal Transport Workers Union (NETWON), and the Independent Transport Workers' Association of Nepal (ITWAN) – it is in touch with all three and offering whatever assistance and support they need.
ITWAN believes that a large number of road transport workers may have been caught up in the devastation, which spans the towns and villages of Timure, Syafrubesi, Mailung, Pahirebesi, Khalte (in Rasuwa district), as well as various settlements in Nuwakot.
“This is a deeply saddening and truly shocking disaster – we send our heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected by these floods,” said Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary.
“As one of our Nepalese affiliates, ITWAN, confirms, many transport workers – truck drivers – have been affected by these floods, as they use the Timure Customs Office to rest after crossing over the border. Members of ITWAN’s Araniko Route Truck Unit Committee remain out of contact, which is causing severe distress among their colleagues.
“We join our affiliate in calling on the Government of Nepal to search for, rescue and safely relocate transport workers who remain unaccounted for.”
According to the United States Geological Survey, the floods were caused by a glacial collapse and ensuing debris flow. While analysis of the precise cause is underway, it is well known that climate change is driving faster glacial melting in the area.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is warning that secondary flooding could occur in the coming days as a result of the debris that washed into the river systems.
“Just like everyone else who has seen the footage of these floods, we are in shock at the scale of devastation people in the region are facing right now,” said ITF President, Paddy Crumlin.
“We are deeply concerned for our transport worker brothers and sisters – to you, your families and friends in Nepal, and our affiliated unions, know that we will be doing everything we can to support you and ensure that rescue operations get to you as fast as possible.”
ENDS
Media Contact: media@itf.org.au
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 760 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers’ globally. We are the voice for more than 16.6 million transport workers across the world.
Photo credit: JNA Press / Safal Prakash Shrest/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
