Nepal landslides and heavy rain kill 30 as Annapurna is hit

How many people have been affected by the landslides in Nepal?

The latest wave of landslides and heavy rain has resulted in about 30 deaths across the country. This follows a much larger disaster in August that claimed 1,400 lives and left thousands of people missing. According to the national disaster management authority, the recent instability has affected more than 1,900 families since the end of last week, with more than 240 homes damaged by the moving earth and water.

Infrastructure in the affected regions has suffered significant damage. Roads, bridges, and various buildings have been swept away by the force of the landslides and flooding. For many local residents, the loss is not just structural but deeply personal. In the town of Battar, located northwest of Kathmandu, displaced residents describe a total loss of property. Buti Tamang, speaking from a damp, blue tent, told BBC Nepali that her family used to live in a hut, but now there is nothing left, and they have lost many relatives. Ramesh Ghale, who also had to flee his home, noted that the ongoing rain makes the situation even more difficult as the tents leak, leaving families with nowhere to go.

What is the impact on the Annapurna Circuit trekking?

The Annapurna Circuit, a vital component of Nepal's economy, is facing significant operational disruptions due to the ongoing weather crisis. Hundreds of trekkers have been forced to abandon their planned itineraries to seek safety. In the Manang and Mustang districts, many hikers have required helicopter evacuations to escape the unstable terrain. The trek, which typically spans up to three weeks to complete, has become a high-risk endeavor due to the unpredictable nature of the landscape.

The disruption is particularly felt by those attempting to navigate the high-altitude passes. For example, Jake Stacy, a 21-year-old from Suffolk, found himself stranded in Yak Kharka, upper Manang, due to heavy snowfall last week. He decided not to continue to the Thorang La pass, the highest point of the circuit, after having to make his own paths on steep, muddy, and wet mountain slopes to avoid rivers below. Such instances highlight how the standard trekking experience has been replaced by a struggle for basic movement.

Challenges for trekkers on the ground

Trekkers and guides have reported that returning from the mountains has become a treacherous task. Navigating the circuit often requires passing through areas where roads have collapsed or bridges have been completely washed away. Some travelers have reported having to spend several days navigating these obstacles, often in muddy and steep conditions. In some instances, trekkers have been forced to use abandoned mountain paths to bypass destroyed infrastructure, adding physical strain to an already difficult journey. While most of the old trekking trails on the Annapurna Circuit have been unused in recent years following the introduction of roads, they have become essential lifelines for operators attempting to navigate the current destruction.

The psychological impact on those navigating the mountains is also significant. Guides have noted that the recent events have created a state of heightened anxiety; even the sound of thunder can trigger a fear response in those accustomed to the recent volatility of the terrain. Trekking guide Tse Ring Doma, who reported crossing 28 landslides, noted that the mental stress was more difficult than the physical challenge, given the fresh memory of last month's enormous disaster. Norwegian visitor Ellen Wahlström observed that while visitors might only have to leave some items behind, the locals are risking their entire houses and land.

Why are certain areas in Manang and Mustang particularly dangerous?

The districts of Manang and Mustang are experiencing intense geological instability, characterized by frequent landslides and blocked water flows. In the village of Chame, a massive landslide has partially obstructed a river, creating a temporary lake. This buildup of water has caused inundation in local houses and destroyed a key bridge. Local reports suggest that authorities have been trying to release the water for the past three days using excavators, but they have not been very successful.

The danger is compounded by the variety of geological hazards present in the region. While the chief district officer of Manang, Mukti Prasad Khanal, stated that no one had been killed in the trekking region specifically, other areas are facing different threats. Near the border with Tibet, an avalanche close to the base of Himlung Peak has resulted in four confirmed deaths and left 12 people missing. This highlights the dual threat of landslide-induced flooding and snow-related disasters in the Himalayan terrain. Australian trekker Andrew Graham and his guide Prem KC experienced this danger firsthand, crossing more than 15 landslides and being forced to spend a night in the jungle after reaching the evacuated village of Chame.

How is the trekking industry responding to the crisis?

The trekking industry in Nepal is currently navigating a period of extreme uncertainty and pressure. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project has reported that approximately 700 trekkers are currently waiting in Pokhara, unable to begin their journeys on the Annapurna Circuit. Although there is significant pressure from the trekking industry to announce the route as open, authorities are currently holding back travelers to ensure safety.

Logistical adjustments are also being implemented for those who must travel. For example, Indian pilgrims visiting the ancient Muktinath temple are currently being advised to fly from Jomson to Pokhara rather than attempting the drive, due to a cut-off road. The industry is balancing the economic necessity of tourism with the immediate physical risks posed by the unstable mountain environment, especially as the residual risks from recent landslides continue to grow.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the recent Nepal landslides?

Approximately 30 people have died in the most recent wave of landslides and heavy rain. This follows a much larger catastrophe in August, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and left thousands more missing across the country.

Is the Annapurna Circuit still open for trekking?

The circuit is facing major disruptions. While some paths are being used by experienced trekkers, many routes are blocked by landslides and destroyed bridges. Authorities are currently holding back hundreds of trekkers in Pokhara to prevent them from entering dangerous areas.

What happened in the village of Chame?

A large landslide in Chame has partially blocked a river, creating a temporary lake. This has led to the flooding of local homes and the destruction of a vital bridge. Local authorities have been attempting to clear the blockage with excavators for three days with limited success.

Are there fatalities in the trekking regions?

While the chief district officer of Manang has not reported trekking-related deaths in that specific district, an avalanche near Himlung Peak has killed four people and left 12 others missing. The overall situation remains highly volatile.

How can travelers reach Muktinath safely?

Due to significant road damage, travelers—particularly Indian pilgrims—are being advised to use flights from Jomson to Pokhara instead of driving. This is a precautionary measure to avoid cut-off roads and dangerous mountain passes.

Key takeaways

• Recent landslides in Nepal have caused approximately 30 deaths and affected 1,900 families.
• The Annapurna Circuit is facing severe disruption, with many trekkers requiring helicopter evacuations.
• A landslide near Chame has created a temporary lake, flooding homes and destroying bridges.
• An avalanche near Himlung Peak has resulted in four deaths and 12 missing persons.
• Approximately 700 trekkers are currently waiting in Pokhara due to safety concerns.

Conclusion

The ongoing landslides and heavy rainfall in Nepal represent a profound humanitarian and economic challenge. The loss of life, following the devastating floods in August, underscores the increasing volatility of the Himalayan region. For the trekking industry, the disruption of the Annapurna Circuit presents a difficult balance between economic recovery and the fundamental necessity of traveler safety. As authorities work to clear debris and manage rising waters in areas like Chame, the focus remains on stabilizing infrastructure and managing the significant risks posed by the unpredictable mountain environment.