Birgunj, Sept. 9 -- Traders are rerouting Chinese imports through Nepal's southern border with India after floods and landslides disrupted the country's main overland routes to China, raising the importance of the Birgunj trade corridor ahead of the festival season.

The Bhotekoshi floods in August disrupted the Rasuwa border crossing, while landslides affected the Tatopani crossing. Both are major routes for goods entering Nepal from China.

With Dashain, Tihar and Chhath approaching, traders have started bringing in clothing, footwear, festival decorations, dried fruits, chocolates and other goods through Birgunj, according to the Birgunj Customs Office.

"Goods booked for Dashain and other festivals are being brought in even if traders...