More than 100 foreign trekkers stranded in flood-hit region of Nepal, says official

More than 100 foreign trekkers are currently stranded in various locations following the flooding of a river in central Nepal, according to an official. The Budhi Gandaki River, which feeds into the Trishuli River, experienced devastating floods in August after a glacier collapse triggered by a landslide. The floods resulted in the death of 1,457 people and left thousands missing.

Last weekend, a landslide on Sunday in Gorkha district, located about 100 km (62 miles) west of Kathmandu, blocked the Budhi Gandaki River, causing downstream flooding. Authorities have managed to rescue 96 people, including nine foreigners, from the affected areas. The army is continuing rescue operations on Monday, despite the receding flood.

While there have been no fatalities reported, five villagers remain out of contact after their homes were washed away and infrastructure damaged, including three hydroelectric plants. Bhuwan Raj Ojha, an official from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, which includes a popular trekking route, confirmed that more than 100 foreign trekkers are stranded and unable to return due to the washed-out trail.

Those wishing to return because of the flood must be rescued, while those wanting to continue their trekking can do so from safe locations along the route. Restaurants and tea houses are available along the trekking path. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development noted that the latest flood may have been triggered by the failure of a temporary river blockage caused by a landslide.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of mountain communities and river corridors to sudden, cascading hazards. While immediate response efforts remain crucial, understanding the cause of the flood will be vital for reducing future risks and enhancing resilience.