Rasuwagadhi closure diverts Chinese imports to Korala, but Nepal’s alternative route is unprepared

A devastating flood has wiped out Rasuwagadhi, Nepal’s main border point for trade with China, forcing import containers toward Korala in Mustang.

The flooding occurred in the Bhotekoshi River on Aug. 26 and closed the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing, described as the main lifeline for Nepal-China trade.

The diversion comes shortly before Dashain and Tihar, two major festivals in Nepal. But Korala, the alternative border point, is not prepared to receive the trade being redirected there.