RASUWA: A massive flood triggered by heavy rains early Tuesday morning has severely damaged the Syafrubesi–Timure road, a crucial section of the Nepal–China trade route, near the Lhende Khola (Bhotekoshi) area on the border.
The disaster, which struck around 3 am, caused widespread landslides along the Bhotekoshi riverbanks, completely blocking the road and making it impassable for both vehicles and pedestrians. Multiple landslides along the route have left the road in a heavily damaged state.
In Gosainkunda Rural Municipality–3, Lingling, the road was swept away, forcing travelers to navigate highly dangerous terrain on foot.
Efforts are ongoing, with Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force deployed to clear and rebuild parts of the route. However, authorities say it remains unclear when the road will reopen for vehicular movement.
The disruption has left hundreds of cargo trucks stranded in Timure, unable to enter the Kathmandu Valley or proceed toward the border. Additionally, the Rasuwagadhi border point—a key trade hub with China—has come to a standstill, effectively halting cross-border trade.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of Nepal’s northern trade infrastructure. The Tatopani border crossing in Sindhupalchok, another major trade point damaged in the 2015 earthquake, remains only partially functional.
Authorities warn that continued rainfall could cause further instability in the region.
Photo: Nepal Photo Library
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