Nepal, Oct. 17 -- The tourism industry in the far-eastern hills and mountains-particularly in Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung already shaken by the Gen Z movement, has taken another severe blow from recent natural disasters.

Whatever little hope remained for tourism along the Mechi Corridor was washed away by the devastating floods and landslides of October 5.

The Mechi Highway had long served as a lifeline for domestic and foreign tourists traveling to Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung-to explore the biodiversity of Ilam's Mai Pokhari, admire the beauty of Panchthar's Timbung Pokhari, and pay homage at Taplejung's Pathibhara Temple.

"This year, just when the tourist season began, the Gen Z movement halted everything, and now the disaster ...