The ‘all-weather’ Rasuwa-Kerung route is no more
Summary
A devastating flash flood has destroyed Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing, cutting off a vital trade route with China and disrupting imports ahead of the festival season. Traders and customs officials are now scrambling to reroute goods through Tatopani and Korala as search and rescue efforts continue.
Key Points
- The August 26 flood along the Bhotekoshi corridor wiped out the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing, Nepal’s main overland gateway to China, and killed or displaced thousands.
- The disruption threatens imports of vehicles, electronics and other consumer goods, especially ahead of Dashain and Tihar.
- Businesses such as Cymex, the BYD distributor in Nepal, say most of their electric vehicles entered through Rasuwa and are now affected.
- Officials are considering rerouting stranded cargo through Tatopani and Korala, but both routes have major infrastructure and weather limitations.
