KATHMANDU: Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains have severed direct road access to the Korala border crossing after the Kaligandaki river washed away sections of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project. The damage has cut off the link between Pokharebagar in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 and Bhurung-Tatopani in ward 2.

The destruction of the road network and a concrete bridge has disrupted imports from the Liji-Nechung (Korala) border point in Tibet. Raju Lalchan, president of the Mustang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that cargo containers are currently stranded as the festival season approaches. He said, ”If the road and bridge are not repaired, goods including electric vehicles will remain stuck at customs. We will coordinate with government agencies to reopen the route once the rain stops.”

Tejaswi Sharma, head of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, noted that the infrastructure has sustained significant damage. ”The erosion has caused extensive damage to road infrastructure. We are collecting details and will begin repairs where possible immediately,” Sharma said. A large number of containers carrying electric vehicles, household goods, cosmetics, and electronic equipment are currently held at the temporary yard of the Nechung Customs Office.

Customs information officer Abindra Singh warned that clearance operations might be affected until road conditions improve. Revenue collection at the customs office had risen to Rs 2.81 billion in August from Rs 263.9 million in July. Approximately 22 kilometers of the 76-kilometer Beni-Jomsom road section are considered at high risk of floods and landslides. Mustang Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma stated that authorities are collecting damage reports and coordinating with relevant agencies to address the situation.