Nepal Flash Flood Disaster: Over 300 Indians Missing, Says Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal

The death toll in the devastated Rasuwa region of Nepal near the Nepal-Tibet border from the devastating flash floods has reached 162, Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said on Thursday more than 300 Indians were among those reported missing.

The flash floods that were caused by the avalanche blocking the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, swept through areas of three districts on Wednesday, wreaking widespread damage.

After the catastrophe in the Rasuwa region, thousands of people were not traced, Khanal said.

"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

After a flash flood on Thursday, the Bhotekoshi River has claimed more lives in three districts with the death toll now standing at 165, said Nepal Police.

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The disaster first hit Timure, near Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi, after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi.

Indians are among the hundreds who were missing.

At least 133 Indians and 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) were among nearly 500 people missing due to flash floods earlier Wednesday, officials said. A minimum of 50 Indians were pilgrims on their way to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

In the affected area, there is still rescue and relief work that has made Khanal's latest statement put the missing Indian nationals at over 300.

Indian Embassy provides helpline numbers.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Wednesday provided emergency contact numbers to assist and provide information to the Indian nationals affected by the flash floods.

People seeking assistance can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.

The Embassy of India told the news agency said it was keeping in touch with relevant authorities of the Nepal government for timely aid and assistance to the Indian nationals affected by the disaster.

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In another tweet on X, the embassy noted that the rescue and relief efforts are being enhanced in coordination with the Nepal government.

Nepal Tourism Board also provided emergency contact numbers like the toll free number 1234, the Tourist Police number 9851289445 and hot line number 1144.

The Embassy of India in Beijing also posted a helpline (via WhatsApp) 0086 185 1428 4905.

As of now, thousands of families have already lost their homes. We are still working to find out the full extent of the disaster,' Shishir Khanal says

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