KATHMANDU: China has temporarily suspended operations at the Zhangmu Port near Tatopani along the Nepal-China border, citing precautionary measures following the recent flood in the Bhotekoshi River.

The Chinese authorities informed the Nepali side about the decision through email, according to Tul Bahadur Pandey, customs officer at the Tatopani Customs Office.

“We have received a brief email from the Chinese authorities regarding the temporary closure of the port,” Pandey said.

According to the email, the Zhangmu Port has been closed for the time being, with Chinese authorities assuring that they will notify the Nepali side once operations resume.

The precautionary measure is understood to have been taken amid concerns over possible river-related hazards following the recent flooding in the Bhotekoshi River. The Chinese side has also reportedly moved its administrative staff to higher and safer locations.

Cargo movement through the port has also been suspended. Earlier, the Chinese side had informed Nepal that container shipments would remain halted until September 3 due to construction work in Khasa.

The Tatopani crossing had emerged as an important alternative trade route after the Rasuwagadhi customs point was severely affected by the recent devastating floods.

The latest temporary closure is expected to affect the movement of goods between Nepal and China, particularly with the major Dashain and Tihar festivals approaching. Business representatives in the area have expressed concern that a prolonged suspension could affect the supply of goods to Nepal.

Trade through the Tatopani point had already faced disruption following landslides on June 25 on the Nepali side. The landslides damaged several sections of the 26-kilometre Bahrabise–Kodari stretch of the Araniko Highway, temporarily interrupting cross-border movement.

The Department of Roads subsequently deployed a team to repair the damaged sections, and the route was reopened after around 40 days. Following the reopening, eight cargo containers entered Nepal through the Tatopani crossing on August 28.

With the Zhangmu Port now temporarily closed, cargo containers destined for Nepal are reportedly stranded in Nyalam.

The Nepali side is expected to continue coordination with the Chinese authorities regarding the resumption of port operations and restoration of regular cross-border cargo movement.