More than 100 foreign trekkers stranded after Nepal flash floods

More than 100 foreign trekkers were stranded in Nepal’s Gorkha district after flash floods swept away sections of the Manaslu trekking trail, bridges and homes, officials said.

The flooding began Sunday after a landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River near Chumnubri village, about 100 kilometres west of Kathmandu. Preliminary accounts reviewed by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development indicated that the subsequent failure of the temporary blockage may have triggered the flood.

Five villagers remained out of contact, but authorities had reported no deaths. The flood carried mud and debris downstream, damaging hydroelectric facilities and severing road and trail connections. Officials urged residents along riverbanks in Gorkha and several downstream districts to move to safer ground.

Rescue figures varied as operations continued. Nepal’s army initially reported 49 people rescued, while later reports said 96 people, including nine foreigners, had been brought to safety. Al Jazeera reported that authorities rescued 321 people, including 12 foreigners, on Monday and planned to continue operations Tuesday as river levels receded.

Bhuwan Raj Ojha of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project said trekkers were stranded because parts of the route had been washed away. He said those wishing to leave would need evacuation, while trekkers in safe locations could continue their journeys. Army and police teams were conducting rescue operations and monitoring the affected area by helicopter.