At least 178 Indian nationals are among hundreds reported missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Thursday.
The floods have wreaked havoc in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts, causing severe damage to roads, bridges, and riverside settlements. The NTB, in its latest update, revealed that preliminary records from trekking and travel companies reported 644 individuals missing, including 127 Nepali nationals.
The Board is currently cross-checking this information with travel agencies, local authorities, and security forces to verify the figures.
Among those missing are 178 Indians, 53 Ukrainians, 35 Australians, and 25 Canadians, along with citizens from several other countries. Additionally, embassy sources revealed that 175 bodies have been recovered, with countless local residents and tourists remaining unaccounted for.
Overall, 476 people from 28 different countries have been reported missing, although these numbers are subject to verification as search and rescue operations persist.
Authorities are actively reconciling varying reports from agencies as they receive updated information from the flood-affected regions. The disaster has obliterated transportation networks by damaging numerous bridges and roads.
Nepal’s security forces have intensified search and rescue operations, deploying helicopters and ground teams to provide medical assistance, temporary shelters, food, drinking water, and medicines for flood victims.
No Adverse Flood Impact has been reported in Indian border areas following the flash floods in Nepal, according to National Disaster Response Force Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela. He added that agencies are closely monitoring water discharge levels in sensitive districts like Kushinagar and West Champaran. The state governments and the Central Water Commission remain on alert.
Meanwhile, India has ramped up humanitarian assistance for Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs announced that a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian and disaster relief material, along with medicines and food packets, has been dispatched to the flood-hit region.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has set up helplines for families seeking assistance: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117, which are also available on WhatsApp.
