More than 100 foreign hikers are currently stranded across multiple locations in central Nepal following severe river flooding that swept away hiking trails and bridges over the weekend.
According to Reuters, authorities managed to rescue 96 people—including nine foreign nationals—after a landslide struck the Gorkha district, about 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The landslide temporarily blocked the Budhi Gandaki River, triggering sudden downstream flooding.
Key Details
- Stranded Trekkers: Over 100 foreign hikers remain stuck in different areas along a popular route within the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) because sections of the hiking trail were completely washed away.
- Safety Status: While parts of the path are damaged, local officials note that stranded trekkers have access to safe tea houses and restaurants along the route. Hikers wishing to return are awaiting rescue operations, while those in secure areas can continue their journeys once routes are cleared.
- Infrastructure and Missing Persons: National disaster authorities reported no fatalities so far, but five local villagers remain out of contact. The muddy floodwaters also damaged three hydroelectric plants and washed away homes.
- Environmental Concerns: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) stated that the flood appears to have been caused by the failure of a temporary river blockage created by the landslide, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of mountain river corridors.
Rescue efforts by the national army continue as floodwaters recede across the region.
