All trekkers in the Manaslu region of Nepal have been reported safe after the flood in the Budhi Gandaki River; however, the trekking trails in Chum Valley have been damaged, and the local administration has temporarily banned trekking. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) stated that the tourists caught in the flood are safe and efforts are being made to organise the restoration of the damaged trails.
The flood happened on Sunday when water gushed out from Ungilung Khola in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6, Gorkha, into the Budhi Gandaki River. Information officer of MCAP Bhuwan Raj Ojha said that 87 tourists who came to Chum Valley were affected by the flood. The 98 tourists stuck near the entrance of the Manaslu region, along with 73 guides and porters, have been reported safe.
Flood Hits Trekking Trails
Despite the damage to trekking trails, no tourist was reported to have been in any harm. However, the cantilever bridge at Sardibhir in Lokpa of Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6 was swept away by the flood, cutting off the trekking route to Chum Valley and leading to the temporary ban on trekking there. The trekking trail from Machhakhola in Dharche Rural Municipality to Jagat in Chumnubri has also been damaged at several points, causing difficulties for trekkers, guides and porters.
Helicopter Route Open for Samagaun Trekkers
The trekkers who intend to visit Samagaun can opt for a helicopter from Kathmandu to Philim, as the route from Philim to Larke Pass is open and reported safe, said MCAP. But the trail from Machhakhola to Jagat and Sallery, which is a popular route to trek to Manaslu, has been damaged and should not be taken, as safety is not assured. Trekkers are advised to contact the concerned authority and local trekking operators to know about the trail condition and take necessary precautions.
Efforts Being Made to Restore Treks
MCAP has said that it is in coordination with the concerned authorities to organise the restoration of the damaged trekking trails so that the tourists can visit the area smoothly. Repairing the trails and the bridge, damaged in the flood, will be crucial to reopen the trek to Chum Valley.
The incident highlights the sensitivity of Nepal’s mountain trekking trails to climate-related disasters like floods and landslides. Though the tourists, guides, and porters involved in the incident have been reported safe, the closure of the popular Chum Valley trek serves as a reminder to check the trail conditions and follow the guidelines of the trekking operators and administrative bodies before heading to Nepal’s mountainous regions.
Source-RSS
