At least 178 Indian nationals feature among hundreds of individuals reported missing following devastating flash floods that struck areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Nepal. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) released this update on Thursday, marking a tragic situation affecting both locals and tourists.
In total, 644 travellers have been identified as missing, including 127 Nepali nationals. These figures represent initial reports gathered from trekking and travel companies in the region.
The NTB confirmed that this information is undergoing verification through travel agencies, guides, local authorities, and security forces. In addition to the 178 missing Indians, foreign nationals from various countries are also unaccounted for, including 53 Ukrainians, 35 Australians, and 25 Canadians.
The Nepal Embassy reported that as of now, 175 bodies have been recovered; however, a significant number of both local residents and tourists remain unaccounted for. Sources indicated that 476 people from 28 countries have been reported missing, though these numbers continue to evolve as search and rescue operations persist.
As floodwaters ravaged parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts, the disaster has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and riverside settlements. Rescue and relief efforts are intensifying, with Nepal’s security forces deploying helicopters and ground teams to aid those caught in the deluge.
Medical assistance, along with temporary shelters, food, drinking water, and medicines, is being provided to affected individuals. Despite the chaos, National Disaster Response Force Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela reported no adverse impact from the floods in areas bordering India, asserting that monitoring continues in sensitive districts such as Kushinagar and West Champaran.
In a display of humanitarian solidarity, India has escalated its assistance efforts. The Ministry of External Affairs announced that a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medicines and food packets, has already departed for Nepal.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has also activated helpline numbers for families seeking information about the missing: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117. These numbers are accessible via WhatsApp for real-time assistance.
This tragic calamity reminds us of nature’s devastating power and underscores the importance of rapid response and humanitarian cooperation. As authorities continue to navigate this crisis, updates regarding missing persons, ongoing rescue efforts, and relief actions remain crucial for those affected and their families.
