Landslides and Heavy Rain Cause Fatalities and Disrupt Trekkers in Nepal

Another wave of landslides and heavy rain has resulted in approximately 30 fatalities in Nepal, following August's catastrophic flooding that left 1,400 dead and thousands missing. The national disaster management authority reported that over 1,900 families have been affected since late last week, with more than 240 homes damaged. Infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and bridges have been destroyed. Hundreds of trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit, which is vital to Nepal's economy, have had to shorten their hikes for safety. Many have been evacuated by helicopter from the districts of Manang and Mustang, where the hiking circuit typically takes up to three weeks to complete. Communities across Nepal are mourning the loss of loved ones. Buti Tamang, speaking from a tent in Battar, a town northwest of Kathmandu, stated, "We used to live in a hut, but now there is nothing. We have lost so many of our relatives." Ramesh Ghale, who also fled his home, mentioned, "Now it is raining and the tent leaks, so we've been facing a difficult situation. We have nowhere to go." Many individuals have become homeless and are residing in emergency tents due to the severe weather. Trekkers and their guides have reported treacherous conditions on their return journeys, taking three to four days to navigate collapsed roads and washed-away bridges. Jake Stacy, a 21-year-old from Suffolk, described being stranded with his guide in Yak Kharka due to heavy snowfall and opting not to proceed to the Thorang La pass. "We made our own paths on mountain slopes," he recounted. Andrew Graham and his guide Prem KC faced over 15 landslides while returning from Manang village, with some presenting significant danger. They spent a night in the jungle after being evacuated from Chame due to landslide risks. A large landslide has partially blocked a river in Chame, creating a temporary lake that has flooded homes and a key bridge. Authorities have been attempting to drain the water for three days with limited success. Trekking guide Tse Ring Doma reported crossing 28 landslides, noting that the mental stress was more challenging than the physical demands. Her client, Norwegian Ellen Wahlström, highlighted the disparity in risks faced by locals compared to visitors. Chief district officer Mukti Prasad Khanal confirmed that while road damage in Manang is severe, no fatalities have occurred in the trekking region. However, four bodies have been recovered and 12 individuals are still missing after an avalanche near Himlung Peak, close to the Tibet border. A representative from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project indicated that around 700 trekkers are waiting in Pokhara to start the Annapurna Circuit trek, despite pressure from the trekking industry to open the route. Indian visitors, often on a pilgrimage to the ancient temple Muktinath, have been advised to fly from Jomson to Pokhara due to a cut-off road. The old trekking trails on the Annapurna Circuit have seen reduced use in recent years due to road construction, but operators report that many trekkers are now utilizing these abandoned paths as the main roads have been washed away in some areas.