Kathmandu/gorkha, Oct. 14 -- With the October trekking season commencing, hotels from Yarukhola to Dobhan in Dharche Rural Municipality were being readied for tourists, as business owners counted on Dashain visitors to boost their earnings. Sunday's Budhigandaki flood washed away hotels and homes, wiping out hopes of a strong trekking season and leaving residents asking for relief.

Ward 1 of Dharche Rural Municipality was among the worst-hit areas. Many residents who had prepared for a busy trekking season now face the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

"This is the start of the trekking season. When tourists arrive, we have a good income," ward chair Ram Singh Gurung told Kantipur over the phone.

"We had hoped to use that money to c...