Over 300 Indians Missing in Nepal Floods; Search Intensifies as Situation Worsens
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Nepal flash floods kill 162 people and leave hundreds missing, including Indian tourists, as rescue operations continue across three districts.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, August 27: More than 300 Indian tourists in Nepal have reportedly gone missing after a flash flood in the neighbouring country affected thousands of people this week, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.
The flood swept through parts of the Nepal-Tibet border, displacing many people and continuing to wreak havoc across the region. On Wednesday, three districts were badly affected.
Stating that the disaster had caused widespread devastation, Nepal Foreign Minister Khanal confirmed that 160 people had died, while thousands remained untraced in the Rasuwa region.
“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster,” Khanal was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Nepal Police on Thursday said the death toll had risen to 162 in the flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River, which wreaked havoc across three districts on Wednesday.
Rescue Efforts Intensified as Indians Remain Untraced
The flash floods were caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The flooding first hit Timure, near Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi.
On Wednesday, it was reported that at least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs were among nearly 500 people missing. At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Wednesday issued emergency numbers for assistance and information related to Indian nationals affected by the flash floods. People can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
The Embassy of India said it remained engaged with relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for the early rescue and relief of Indian nationals affected by the flash floods. It added that rescue and relief efforts were being strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.
The Nepal Tourism Board also issued emergency contact numbers, including the toll-free emergency number 1234, the hotline 1144, and the Tourist Police number 9851289445.
In Beijing, the Embassy of India also issued a helpline number, 0086 185 1428 4905, which can be contacted via WhatsApp.
(With Inputs from PTI)
