Over 100 Foreign Trekkers Stranded Due to Floods in Nepal's Gorkha Region

Rescue operations are underway following flash floods that swept away homes, bridges, and parts of the Manaslu trekking trail in central Nepal. More than 100 foreign trekkers are stranded in the Gorkha district, as reported by Bhuwan Raj Ojha, an official of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project. The floods occurred on Sunday when a landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Kathmandu. Ojha stated that trekkers wishing to return due to the floods need to be rescued, while those who wish to continue trekking can do so from safe locations. He noted that there are restaurants and tea houses along the route that remain safe. On Monday, authorities rescued 321 individuals, including 12 foreigners, and the army announced that rescue operations would continue on Tuesday as the river's water level receded. The Budhi Gandaki River is a tributary of the Trishuli River, which experienced a catastrophic flood in August that resulted in 1,457 deaths, with thousands still missing. Although there have been no reported fatalities from the recent floods, five villagers are currently out of contact after debris and sludge washed away over 200 homes and damaged infrastructure, including three hydroelectric plants. Md Shahadat Hossain, a Bangladeshi trekker stranded in Jagat village, reported that nine other Bangladeshis are awaiting possible helicopter evacuation. He mentioned that they have been stranded since the previous day due to the flood and that while they are safe, they have lost electricity, communication has been disrupted, and food supplies are dwindling. Gorkha district authorities have advised villagers living along the riverbanks downstream to evacuate. National disaster authorities have alerted residents in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi districts about the flooding.