Kathmandu [Nepal], September 1 – China has indefinitely closed the Zhangmu port near Tatopani along the Nepal-China border citing potential disaster risks following the recent Bhotekoshi River floods, according to Nepalese officials.
Tatopani Customs Office customs officer Tul Bahadur Pandey said the office received an email from Chinese authorities informing Nepal of the closure.
The email stated that the Zhangmu port had been shut “for a while” and that Chinese authorities would inform Nepal separately when it reopens.
The closure is believed to be linked to concerns over possible river-related disasters following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River. Chinese authorities have also reportedly moved administrative staff to higher and safer areas.
Cargo transportation through the port has been suspended. The Chinese side had earlier stopped sending containers until September 3, citing construction work in Khasa.
Tatopani had emerged as an alternative trading route after the Rasuwagadhi customs point was severely damaged by the floods. The latest closure is expected to further disrupt Nepal-China trade.
Business representatives have expressed concern that the suspension could affect supplies to Nepal particularly with the Dashain and Tihar festivals approaching.
Trade through Tatopani had already remained largely suspended for around 40 days after landslides on June 25 damaged several sections of the 26-km Bahrabise-Kodari stretch of the Araniko Highway.
After temporary repairs the route reopened and eight cargo containers entered Nepal through Tatopani on August 28.
Following the Zhangmu closure cargo containers bound for Nepal have reportedly been stranded in Nyalam.
