POKHARA: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki Province chapter, has issued a notice urging heightened caution and the use of alternative routes after severe flooding damaged key roads and trails in the Annapurna region.

According to the notice on August 14, heavy rainfall triggered a major flood in the Modi River near Birethanti in Kaski district — the main gateway to the Annapurna, Poon Hill and Ghandruk trekking routes. The flood has completely washed away the road connecting Nayapul to Ghandruk, as well as the route linking to Muktinath, bringing transportation and movement in the area to a complete halt.

TAAN Gandaki said that in this critical situation, the safety of tourists and trekking staff must take priority over business operations. The association has appealed to all tourism entrepreneurs to ensure trekkers, guides and support staff heading out through their companies are fully briefed on current weather conditions and the actual state of roads and trails before departure.

The notice further calls on all guides and porters currently in the field to stay in continuous contact with their respective agencies and to coordinate with local authorities, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Tourist Police to use safe alternative routes.

Expressing sympathy for the losses suffered by tourism businesses due to the flooding and landslides, TAAN Gandaki also urged the concerned government bodies to carry out immediate repair work on the damaged roads and trails to restore normal operations at the earliest.