Korala border point faces repeated disruptions from floods, snowfall

The Korala border point in Mustang, which has emerged as an alternative trade route with China following disruptions at the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points, is facing repeated interruptions due to floods, landslides and heavy snowfall. The Kaligandaki River flood on Ashoj 11 damaged several sections of the Beni-Korala road, disrupting traffic along the route. The road was reopened only towards the end of October after repair work.

However, heavy snowfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab after Kartik 12 brought movement to a halt in Upper Mustang. Snow accumulated along the road from Nhechung, 14 kilometres from the Korala border, to the Nepal-China border, making the route difficult to navigate. Lomanthang Rural Municipality has been leading snow clearance efforts with support from the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and a bulldozer provided by the local government of Zhongba County in China.

According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Tashi Nurbhu Gurung, snow clearance has been ongoing for four days, but cleared sections keep freezing again.