KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki has issued an urgent appeal following severe flooding and landslides in the Annapurna trekking region, triggered by continuous rainfall over the past several days.

According to TAAN Gandaki, the Kumrung River and Modi River in Wards 10 and 11 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, have seen major flooding and landslides. The flooding has caused significant damage to the suspension bridge crossing to Ghurjung, the main trekking trail leading to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and the Syauli Bazaar area. Two hotels in Banthanti, Ghandruk, have also been damaged by the flooding and landslides.

TAAN Gandaki said it is deeply concerned about the difficulties faced by trekkers and guide-porter teams in the affected areas due to the natural disaster. The association expressed sympathy for the losses suffered by local hotel businesses and called on the government and concerned authorities to prioritize immediate management of the damaged structures and restoration of the trekking route.

Emphasizing that the safety of citizens and trekkers takes priority over business operations and guide-porter mobilization during this critical period, TAAN Gandaki urged trekkers in risk-prone trekking areas to remain safely in their current location and to undertake treks only after obtaining prior information on geographical conditions and weather.

The association also appealed to all guides and porters currently in the field to stay in mandatory contact with the TAAN secretariat or their respective agencies, and to coordinate with local authorities, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and tourist police in case of any emergency.

"Let us stay alert, let us stay safe," TAAN Gandaki said in its appeal.