Flood-hit Nepal urges tourists to return: ‘our mountain trails are waiting for you’

Nepal is appealing to international tourists to return to the Himalayas, emphasizing that the nation is open for tourism despite the recent catastrophic floods. Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel urged people to come, stating that their presence can provide significant support to the country in its fight against the tragedy. The call comes as images of destroyed villages, roads, and bridges, along with reports of deaths, circulate, potentially deterring tourists even from unaffected regions.

Nepal, one of Asia's poorest economies, faces a massive reconstruction effort due to higher fuel costs from the Iran war, weaker tourism, and slowing growth. The disaster occurred after a glacial collapse sent a surge of ice, mud, rocks, and water through a valley, wiping out entire settlements. As of Tuesday, approximately 590 foreigners from 39 countries were still missing, and the death toll had risen to at least 1,010.

Rescue operations continue, with specialist teams from Nepal, India, China, and South Korea aiding in affected hydropower projects where workers are trapped inside tunnels. Nepal's Home Minister, Sudan Gurung, stated that rescue efforts have reached the upper section of one tunnel and are working to gain access from above the powerhouse.

The damage to infrastructure, including at least 12 hydropower projects in Nepal's Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts, is significant. Nepal's foreign ministry anticipates requiring substantial international support during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, acknowledging that the situation is exceptionally painful and challenging for the nation.

So far, 11,993 people have been rescued, with emergency crews using helicopters and other aircraft to reach communities cut off by floods and landslides.