What You Need to Know
• A 21-member Chinese rescue team arrived in Gyirong on 28 August, finding extensive destruction.
• The Rasuwagadhi crossing had reopened on 1 January 2025 after a six-month closure due to flooding.
• Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani are Nepal’s two main trading points with China, accounting for significant trade volumes.
On 28 August, a 21-member Chinese rescue team reached Gyirong and reported extensive destruction, stating, “As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but ruins.” The Rasuwagadhi crossing had only recently reopened on 1 January 2025 after being closed for nearly six months due to severe flooding in July 2025. By June 2025, over 100,000 people had crossed through Gyirong, while Nepali immigration records showed 53,742 arrivals and departures at Rasuwagadhi by mid-July. Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani serve as Nepal’s primary trading points with China, with Rasuwagadhi accounting for approximately one-third of Nepal’s $2.95 billion trade with China, highlighting its importance for transporting goods, including electric vehicles.
Why It Matters
The situation at the Rasuwagadhi crossing is significant for Nepal’s economy, as it is one of the main conduits for trade with China. The closure of Rasuwagadhi has increased Nepal’s reliance on the Tatopani crossing, which has also faced temporary closures due to landslide risks. Historically, Rasuwagadhi has facilitated substantial trade, with around 60 to 70 trucks passing daily, transporting essential goods to Kathmandu. The recent flooding and subsequent damage raise concerns about Nepal’s infrastructure and its dependence on specific trade routes, prompting calls for alternative routes and strategies.
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