Over 100 foreign trekkers stranded due to floods in Nepal’s Gorkha region.
In the heart of Nepal, the breathtaking landscapes of the Manaslu trekking trail have become a scene of urgency and resilience following devastating flash floods. As nature’s fury has disrupted both lives and infrastructure, over 100 foreign trekkers now find themselves stranded amidst the stunning yet treacherous terrain, prompting swift rescue operations and a community rallying to ensure their safety.
More than 100 foreign trekkers have been stranded in central Nepal as flash floods in the Gorkha district have washed away bridges, hiking trails, and hundreds of homes. A local official from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, Bhuwan Raj Ojha, reported that the trekkers are located in various parts of the popular Manaslu trekking trail due to significant portions of the route being swept away.
Ojha explained that hikers wishing to return due to the floods need rescue, while those who wish to continue trekking can do so from safer locations along the route, where restaurants and tea houses remain secure. The flash floods struck on Sunday, precipitated by a predawn landslide that blocked the Budhi Gandaki River, located about 100 kilometers west of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
On Monday, authorities successfully rescued 321 individuals, including 12 foreigners, and the army indicated that the rescue operation would gain momentum on Tuesday, even as water levels in the river began to subside. The Budhi Gandaki River is a tributary of the Trishuli River, which experienced a catastrophic glacier collapse flood in August, resulting in 1,457 casualties and leaving thousands missing.
Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities in this latest flood. However, five villagers remain out of contact following the debris flow that swept away more than 200 homes and damaged infrastructure, including three hydroelectric plants, as reported by national disaster authorities.
Md Shahadat Hossain, a Bangladeshi trekker stranded in the village of Jagat, shared his experience with ZezapTV, stating that nine fellow Bangladeshi trekkers are awaiting a possible helicopter evacuation. He explained, “We have been stranded in Jagat since yesterday. A flash flood came down from above the village and flowed through its lower part. We are safe, but there has been no electricity since yesterday, communication with the outside world has been disrupted, and food supplies are gradually running short.”
In light of the situation, Gorkha district authorities have advised villagers residing along the riverbanks downstream to evacuate as a precaution. National disaster authorities have also issued alerts to residents along the river in the Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi districts regarding the potential risk of flooding.
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