KATHMANDU: At least 178 Indian nationals are among hundreds of people reported missing after devastating flash floods struck areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said on Thursday.
The floods have caused severe damage across parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts, with roads, bridges and riverside settlements among the worst affected.
In its latest update, the NTB said preliminary records received from trekking and travel companies had identified 644 travellers, including 127 Nepali nationals, who were reported missing from the affected areas.
The Board said the information was still being verified and cross-checked with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.
Among the foreign nationals reported missing are 178 Indians, 53 Ukrainians, 35 Australians and 25 Canadians, besides citizens of several other countries.
Separately, sources in the Nepal Embassy said 175 bodies had so far been recovered, while a large number of local residents and tourists remained unaccounted for.
According to the embassy sources, the latest available information indicated that 476 people from 28 countries had been reported missing, though the figures remained subject to verification as search and rescue operations continued.
The differing figures being cited by agencies are provisional and are being reconciled as authorities receive updated information from the affected regions.
The disaster has damaged dozens of bridges and roads, while Nepal’s security forces have intensified rescue and relief operations using helicopters and ground teams.
Medical assistance, temporary shelters, food, drinking water and medicines are being provided to people affected by the floods.
No Adverse Flood Impact Reported in Indian Border Areas
National Disaster Response Force Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said no adverse flood impact had been reported in Indian border areas so far following the flash floods in Nepal.
He said agencies were closely monitoring water discharge levels in sensitive districts, including Kushinagar and West Champaran, while state governments and the Central Water Commission remained on alert.
India Sends More Relief Material
India has also stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal.
The Ministry of External Affairs said a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief material, medicines and food packets had departed for the flood-hit country.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has activated helpline numbers for those seeking assistance: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117. The numbers are also available on WhatsApp.
