At least 178 Indian nationals are among hundreds reported missing following catastrophic flash floods that struck areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Nepal. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) confirmed this grim update on Thursday, raising concerns for the welfare of many tourists and locals.
The floods wreaked havoc in several districts, particularly Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha, causing significant damage to infrastructure including roads and bridges. Riverside settlements faced the brunt of the devastation.
Preliminary reports indicate that a total of 644 travellers remain unaccounted for following the disaster. This group includes 127 Nepali nationals, underscoring the widespread impact of the floods. The NTB assured the public that the verification process involves cross-checking information with travel agencies, local authorities, and security agencies.
Among those missing are not only 178 Indians but also 53 Ukrainians, 35 Australians, and 25 Canadians. The toll continues to rise as countless individuals remain unaccounted for.
Officials from the Nepal Embassy reported that recovery efforts have yielded 175 bodies so far. However, a large number of local residents and visitors still need to be located. As search and rescue operations persist, experts estimate that up to 476 individuals from 28 countries are currently missing—these figures are still under verification.
The numbers vary across agencies as ongoing rescue efforts provide updated data from the affected regions. The Nepal Disaster Management Committee has launched essential rescue and relief operations involving helicopters and ground crews.
In response to the catastrophe, authorities are providing immediate medical aid, temporary shelters, food, clean drinking water, and essential medicines to those affected by the floods.
No adverse effects from the flood have been reported in Indian border areas thus far, as confirmed by National Disaster Response Force Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela. Monitoring continues, especially in sensitive areas like Kushinagar and West Champaran, where local agencies work in tandem with the Central Water Commission.
Building on the humanitarian aspect, India has escalated its relief efforts. The Ministry of External Affairs announced that a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance—comprising medicines and food packets—has already departed for Nepal.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has activated helpline numbers for individuals seeking assistance: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117. These helplines are also available on WhatsApp for easy access.
