Kathmandu: More than 300 Indians are among the people reported missing after devastating flash floods swept through parts of Nepal and neighbouring Tibet, Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said on Thursday. The disaster has triggered a major rescue and search operation, with authorities still assessing the full extent of the damage.
The flash floods struck on Wednesday after an avalanche and glacial debris blocked the flow of a tributary linked to the Bhotekoshi River. The sudden surge of water and debris swept through areas in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, particularly around Timure near the Rasuwagadhi border point with China. Several other districts have also reported damage.
Khanal said the number of missing people runs into the thousands, with a large number of foreign nationals among those unaccounted for. Reports said nearly 1,500 people, including at least 800 foreigners, were reported missing across Nepal and Tibet. The situation remains fluid as rescue teams continue to gather information from affected areas.
The death toll from the disaster has also continued to rise. Nepal Police reported that at least 162 people had died, while other updated reports put the toll at 165. Officials warned that the number could change as search teams reach areas that remain cut off by floodwaters and debris.
A large number of Indian tourists and pilgrims are believed to have been in the affected region. Families in India are desperately waiting for information about their relatives. In Tamil Nadu, for example, district authorities said several pilgrims travelling on the Kailash Mansarovar route remained untraceable, although some members of the group had been confirmed safe.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and local authorities are coordinating efforts to establish the whereabouts of missing Indian nationals and provide assistance to those stranded.
Nepal has also remained in contact with foreign embassies over the safety of their nationals. Khanal said the government was committed to protecting both Nepali citizens and foreign visitors caught in the disaster. He also thanked India for quickly sending relief assistance.
The disaster has caused extensive destruction to roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Rescue operations remain challenging because of difficult terrain, continuing weather-related risks and damaged communication and transport links.
Authorities are now focusing on locating survivors, providing emergency assistance and restoring connectivity to isolated areas as quickly as possible.
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