As many as 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable in Nepal following the flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The ministry released details of the groups and individuals whose whereabouts have not yet been confirmed, while stressing that the information remains preliminary.
The uncontactable Indians include workers at the Trishuli-I power project, tourist groups from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala, and Indians who travelled through various tour operators.
Of the 288 nationals, 73 are associated with the Trishuli-I power project. The Indian mission is in contact with the project head and is working to establish communication with the workers.
Two groups from Tamil Nadu, comprising 37 and 49 people, had travelled through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. A 32-member group from West Bengal, which had travelled through Samrat Travels in Nepal, is also uncontactable in Timure, Rasuwa district.The list further includes 61 people from different States who travelled through Richa Tours near Keung and another 33 Indian nationals from Kerala. The MEA said efforts are continuing to contact those affected, although communication networks in the region are currently disrupted.Indians Missing on Chinese SideThe MEA also provided an update on Indian nationals affected on the Chinese side of the disaster zone. Around 150 Indians are reportedly missing, while approximately 200 others who are safe have sought assistance to return home.
Among those seeking evacuation, around 95 people are in Darchen and are moving towards Hilsa to cross into Nepal. Four Indians are in Jilong City, while around 30 are in Zutulphuk and travelling towards Saga. Another 60-70 Indians are also making their way towards Saga.Indian officials are coordinating with local authorities in China and Nepal to facilitate rescue and evacuation efforts.
MEA Activates Control Room
The MEA has established a special control room at its headquarters to coordinate assistance following the floods. Indian missions have also opened helplines and are coordinating with State governments to assist affected nationals.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency contact numbers for information and assistance: +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.The Embassy said it is in continuous contact with relevant Nepalese authorities and is working to strengthen rescue and relief operations for affected Indian nationals. The MEA also said that some Persons of Indian Origin associated with the Isha Foundation, as well as foreign nationals, remain uncontactable.
Flash Floods Leave Hundreds Missing
The latest MEA update came after devastating flash floods struck parts of Nepal near the Tibet border. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal had earlier said that nearly 300 Indians were among thousands of people reported missing in the Rasuwa region.
The disaster affected three districts, with the death toll reportedly reaching 270 by Thursday. The flooding occurred along the Bhotekoshi River after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary, according to reports. Timure, near the Rasuwagadhi border point with China, was among the worst-affected areas.Earlier reports had put the number of missing Indians at 133, along with 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). At least 50 of those Indians were reportedly pilgrims travelling as part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing has also issued a WhatsApp helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905 for assistance to Indians affected on the Chinese side.Nepal authorities have separately issued emergency contacts, including the tourism helpline 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.