Over 100 foreign trekkers stranded in Nepal after flood sweeps away trails

Key facts

• Over 100 foreign trekkers are stranded in central Nepal due to weekend flooding.
• Floodwaters swept away hiking trails and bridges, preventing trekkers from returning.
• Authorities rescued 96 people, including nine foreigners, from a landslide area.
• Five villagers are out of contact following the flood.
• Three hydroelectric plants were damaged by the flood.

More than 100 foreign trekkers are stranded in central Nepal after weekend floods, caused by a landslide blocking the Budhi Gandaki River, swept away hiking trails and bridges. The flooding occurred in the Manaslu Conservation Area, a popular trekking route.

Authorities rescued 96 people, including nine foreigners, on Sunday from Gorkha district, approximately 100 km west of Kathmandu. The army continued rescue operations on Monday as the floodwaters receded. While no fatalities were reported among the trekkers, five villagers are out of contact after their homes were washed away.

The flood also damaged infrastructure, including three hydroelectric plants. Preliminary accounts suggest the event may have been triggered by the failure of a temporary river blockage created by the landslide. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) noted that the event highlights the vulnerability of mountain communities to cascading hazards.