Dozens of Israelis Stranded in Nepal Himalayas After Landslides

Dozens of Israeli hikers are stranded in Samagaon, a village in the Nepalese Himalayas, after landslides blocked all exit routes. The situation arose after several days of severe weather, including heavy rain and snow, culminated in a major landslide above the village early Friday morning. The village, located at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters in the Manaslu region, is currently without electricity.

Israeli travelers reported hearing loud noises, described as the ground collapsing, throughout the night and early morning. The landslides occurred near their accommodations, though no injuries were reported in Samagaon as of Friday morning. Local Nepalese media, including Everest Chronicle, confirmed the large landslide above Samagaon, which awoke hundreds of tourists and staff.

Access to and from Samagaon has been severely restricted, with roads and bridges rendered impassable. Efforts are underway by insurance companies and local tour agencies to organize a rescue operation, but evacuating everyone is proving difficult. The stranded Israelis fear they may have to spend another night in the village.

The extreme weather conditions have been affecting the wider Manaslu region for several days, forcing climbers to retreat. Reports from September 22 indicated significant snowfall and authorities had issued warnings. The current landslides have exacerbated the situation for the Israelis, leaving them with limited options for departure.

These events in Nepal are part of a larger severe weather system impacting South Asia. Heavy rains have caused widespread landslides and floods across Nepal, resulting in at least six deaths and five missing persons. Neighboring India's Uttar Pradesh region has also reported at least 15 deaths and five injuries due to the adverse weather.