Bhotekoshi flood disrupts China trade route, festival supplies at risk
Summary
The Bhotekoshi flash flood in Rasuwa has damaged the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border and road network, disrupting Nepal-China trade and threatening timely supplies ahead of Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. Traders are diverting cargo through Korala and urging the government to reopen Tatopani to ease pressure on the supply chain.
Key Points
- The flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River severely damaged the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border infrastructure and disrupted Nepal-China cargo movement.
- Traders say hundreds of Chinese containers are stranded and more than 200 Nepali containers were swept away, causing losses of at least Rs. 2 billion.
- Cargo is being diverted through the Korala border in Mustang, but traders say the route is too slow, costly and impractical for year-round use.
- Business leaders are pressing the government to restore operations at Tatopani Customs as a faster alternative for festival imports.
