Ten days after the Rasuwa floods, search, rescue and relief continue along the badly affected Bhote Koshi–Upper Trishuli river corridor.
Today also brought some extraordinary hope.
A miracle after nine days
Two people were rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel today, nine days after the disaster.
There are indications that others may still be alive inside the tunnel system, and rescue efforts continue.
For families still waiting for news, this is a remarkable moment of hope.
The disaster remains concentrated
This remains an important point for anyone following the situation from outside Nepal:
This is a major disaster, but it is concentrated along one river corridor. It is not all of Nepal.
Roads and access within the affected Bhote Koshi–Upper Trishuli corridor remain badly disrupted, and recovery will take time.
There are also temporary disruptions on some highways elsewhere because of the monsoon. Alternative routes are being used where possible.
Most major tourism destinations and trekking areas outside the affected corridor remain accessible and continue to operate.
About Chitwan
There is some confusing information circulating that “Chitwan is affected.”
There is an important geographical distinction.
Chitwan District is a large administrative area. Parts of the district fall within the river system affected by the floods. This does not mean the tourism destination of Chitwan is affected.
The main tourism area around Sauraha and Chitwan National Park is accessible and tourism services there are operating normally.
There may be disruptions on particular roads used to reach the destination, so travellers should check their route before travelling. But Chitwan the tourism destination is open.
This distinction matters. A district appearing in a disaster report does not necessarily mean every town, tourism destination or road within that district has been affected.
Trails and tourism
Most trekking areas outside the disaster corridor continue to operate. Travellers should currently choose alternatives to Langtang Valley, the Tamang Heritage Trail and Gosaikunda, where conditions remain uncertain and emergency resources are still required.
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest/Khumbu, Annapurna and most other tourism areas remain open, subject to normal monsoon conditions.
If your journey is affected, check your specific destination and route with your Nepal-based operator before cancelling. Nepal has many alternative routes and destinations.
Rescue, relief and recovery continue. The support coming from across Nepal and around the world has been immense, and deeply appreciated.
A major disaster. A concentrated area. A country responding. And today, some wonderful news.
