Nepal floods: More than 100 foreign tourists stranded after river blockage

More than 100 foreign tourists have been stranded in central Nepal after a river was blocked and sudden flooding occurred, according to reports. The incident took place in Gorkha district of Nepal after the Budhi Gandaki river was blocked, causing flooding that left trekkers stranded in the Manaslu trekking area, said Buvan Raj Ojha, who is involved in a project to protect the Manaslu region. Some roads have been destroyed by the flooding, and efforts are under way to rescue tourists who want to return. Ojha noted that opportunities remain for those who wish to continue travelling through safe areas, and that restaurants and cafes along the route are still safe. The incident occurred last Sunday in Gorkha district, about 100 km west of the capital Kathmandu. Nepal's disaster authorities said that on Monday the army relocated 321 people, including 12 foreigners, to safe areas. Although the river level is decreasing, the army said rescue operations would continue on Tuesday as well. The river is the type linked to the area where a glacial disaster occurred last August, killing 1,457 people and leaving many lost. No reports have yet been received of any deaths in this incident. However, landslides and debris accompanying the flood have caused major damage to more than 200 houses and important infrastructure, including three hydroelectric plants. Telecommunications services in five villages have also been cut off, isolating them. M.D. Shahadat Hussain, a Bangladeshi tourist stranded in Jagat village, said the nine Bangladeshis with him are waiting to be rescued with the help of a helicopter. He also expressed concern that electricity and telecommunications services have been cut off in the area and that food is running out. In connection with the disaster, Nepal's disaster authorities have requested residents living along riverbanks in Tanahun, Chitwan and East and West Nawalparasi, in addition to Gorkha district, to move to safe areas.