KATHMANDU, 30 October (H.S.):

Rescue teams in Nepal have successfully evacuated approximately 2,000 foreign tourists who were stranded in the nation's Himalayan regions following continuous rainfall and severe, unseasonal snowfall. The adverse weather, which struck over the past two days during a peak trekking season, trapped numerous domestic and international visitors in high-altitude areas of Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Gorkha.

Govind Rijal, the head of the Disaster Management Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirmed on Thursday that by morning, around 2,000 foreign and 350 domestic tourists had been brought to safety.

Efforts are still underway to reach a few remaining tourists who are trapped in deep snow, Rijal stated.

According to information released by the ministry, the Manang district accounted for the highest number of rescues. Local authorities deployed emergency relief teams immediately after the crisis began. Major rescue operations have now been completed in the areas of Tilicho, Khangsar, Pisang, and Upper Manang.

More than 1,500 foreign tourists who were stuck in Tilicho, Upper Manang, and the surrounding regions have been relocated to secure locations. Officials reported that all individuals have been evacuated, except for a few tourists and local residents who voluntarily chose to remain.

The rescued trekkers have now arrived at safer downstream towns such as Chame and Besisahar.The rescue was complicated by blocked roads due to heavy snow accumulation, which led to a shortage of vehicles in the district. To facilitate the evacuation, a fleet of 15 jeeps and 2 buses was deployed to transport the tourists safely.

The successful mission was a joint effort between the Nepal Army's New Bhairavi Battalion based in Manang, the Armed Police Force, and local residents.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar