Nepal Flash Floods: 105 Indians Among 384 Travellers Reported Missing
At least 105 Indian nationals are among 384 travellers reported missing after a devastating flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The preliminary list includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals. The Tourism Board has stressed that the figures are still being verified and could change as authorities continue checking the whereabouts and safety of those affected.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction along the Bhote Koshi River, affecting settlements, roads and infrastructure in several parts of northern Nepal.
Massive flash flood hits Nepal
The sudden flood struck the Bhote Koshi River in the morning, sending huge volumes of water through areas of Rasuwa and affecting parts of neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.
Several riverside settlements were badly affected, while roads, bridges and other infrastructure were damaged. The flooding also affected hydropower facilities in the region.
Reports said the floodwaters swept through areas including Timure and Syaphrubesi, two important locations close to Nepal’s border with Tibet. Communication with some affected areas has also been disrupted, making it difficult for authorities to establish the full extent of the damage.
105 Indians among missing travellers
According to the Nepal Tourism Board’s preliminary information, 105 Indian nationals are among the foreign travellers reported missing.
Another 37 people have been identified as non-resident Indians (NRIs). The list also includes travellers from the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and the Netherlands, while the nationality of some others has yet to be confirmed.
The Tourism Board said the information was collected from tourism and travel companies and is being cross-checked with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.
Officials have urged families and travellers not to draw conclusions from the preliminary list until the verification process is completed.
Death toll rises as rescue operations continue
The flash floods have also caused deaths and widespread destruction.
The latest reports put the confirmed death toll at at least eight people, while other reports have put the toll at nine as rescue and recovery operations continue. Several security personnel are also reported missing.
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and other security agencies have been involved in search and rescue operations. However, difficult weather conditions and damaged infrastructure have made access to some areas challenging.
The full scale of the disaster remains unclear as officials continue to gather information from affected locations.
Hydropower projects and infrastructure damaged
The powerful floodwaters have caused significant damage to infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi River.
Several hydropower and transmission facilities have been affected, adding to concerns about electricity supplies in the region. Roads and bridges have also been damaged, disrupting movement and making rescue operations more difficult.
The flooding has also affected areas close to the Nepal-China border, with severe damage reported around the Gyirong area on the Tibetan side.
Nepal Tourism Board issues emergency numbers
The Nepal Tourism Board has advised travellers and their families to remain calm and follow official safety instructions.
People seeking information or emergency assistance can contact the following numbers:
- Tourist emergency number: 1234
- Hotline: 1144
- Tourist Police: 9851289445
Travellers in affected areas have also been advised to stay in contact with the nearest police or security authorities, local administration, travel agencies, guides or tour operators.
Search for missing travellers continues
Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the whereabouts of the hundreds of people listed as missing.
Because the Tourism Board’s list is based on preliminary information from travel agencies, officials are checking the records individually before confirming the status of each traveller.
The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams working in difficult conditions to reach affected communities and assess the damage.
For Indian families worried about relatives travelling in the affected region, the authorities’ verification process will be particularly important as rescue and identification efforts continue.
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