The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released details of Indian nationals affected by the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable as communication networks in the affected areas have been severely disrupted.
The Government of India is coordinating with the Nepalese authorities to locate and assist the affected Indians. By 1 pm on Thursday, 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu had been safely rescued, Jaiswal said.
288 Indians in Five Groups
The 288 Indians currently uncontactable include several groups:
73 workers at Trishuli-1 Power Project:
The largest group comprises 73 Indian personnel working at the Trishuli-1 Power Project. The Indian mission is in direct contact with the project head and is working to establish contact with the workers.
Tamil Nadu pilgrims:
Two groups of 37 and 49 people from Tamil Nadu, who had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat Travels and Fly Everest Travels, are currently uncontactable.
32 people from West Bengal:
A group of 32 West Bengal residents who travelled through Samrat Travels is currently in Timure, in the flood-hit Rasuwa district.
61 Indians from different States:
Another group of 61 Indian nationals from different States, who travelled through Richa Tours, remains uncontactable.
Group from Kerala:
The list also includes a group of Indian nationals from Kerala whose whereabouts have not yet been confirmed.
21 Indians Rescued
Jaiswal said 21 Indian nationals had been safely rescued by 1 pm on Thursday. All 21 are from Tamil Nadu and had travelled to the region for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The MEA said details of the rescued individuals would be shared through its official social media channels.
Around 200 Indians Stranded in China
The situation also remains challenging on the Chinese side of the border. The MEA said around 200 Indian nationals who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are currently stranded in China and have sought assistance from the Indian Government. The Embassy of India in Beijing is coordinating with Chinese authorities and working to facilitate their safe evacuation.
India Steps Up Relief and Rescue Efforts
The MEA said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal and expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the disaster. India is coordinating closely with Nepal and has sent humanitarian assistance and relief supplies to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. The Government said assistance efforts will continue until the situation improves.