New Delhi : Following a devastating flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border, hundreds of Indian tourists and pilgrims are reported missing, prompting urgent rescue efforts and the issuance of emergency helplines by authorities.
Nearly 300 Indian tourists and pilgrims are among thousands missing after severe flash floods in Nepal.
The death toll from the disaster in the Rasuwa region has risen to 162, with many families losing homes.
The floods were triggered by an avalanche blocking the Bhotekoshi River's tributary near the Nepal-China border.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and Beijing, along with the Nepal Tourism Board, have issued emergency contact numbers for affected individuals.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with coordination between the Indian and Nepalese governments.
Nearly 300 Indian tourists are among thousands who are reportedly missing after a flash flood swept through parts of the Nepal-Tibet border, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.
The flash floods on Wednesday wreaked havoc across three districts in Nepal.
Nepal Foreign Minister Khanal on Thursday said that nearly 300 Indians are among thousands reported missing in the floods.
Khanal also confirmed that 160 people have died and thousands remain untraced after the tragedy in the Rasuwa region.
"Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster," Khanal was quoted as saying.
Nepal Police on Thursday said that the death toll rose to 162 in the flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River that wreaked havoc across three districts on Wednesday.
The flash floods were caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi and first hit Timure, near Nepal's border with China at Rasuwagadhi.
On Wednesday, it was reported that at least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs are among the nearly 500 persons missing.
At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers for assistance and information related to Indian nationals affected by the flash floods.
In a post on X, it said people can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
The Embassy of India has remained engaged with the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for early rescue and relief for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods that took place in Nepal, it said in another post on X, adding that rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.
The Nepal Tourism Board also issued similar numbers, including the toll-free emergency number 1234, the hotline 1144, and the Tourist Police number 9851289445 for help.
In Beijing, the Embassy of India also issued a helpline number, 0086 185 1428 4905, which can be contacted via WhatsApp.
