More than 100 Indians are among 384 tourists reported missing in Nepal after flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River hit the Rasuwa region near the Tibet border this morning.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) the 384 missing tourists include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. It said, the foreign nationals are from several countries, including 105 from India, and others from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands. However, the NTB clarified that the figures are preliminary and are currently being verified and cross-checked with travel agencies, local authorities and other concerned agencies. According to local media reports, seven people have died following the massive flash flood.
Preliminary information suggests that the flash flood was caused by an earthquake triggering an avalanche with melted snow pouring into the Bhote Koshi river. The flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River caused a major disruption in the Rasuwa region, triggering concerns over the safety of tourists and other people present in the affected areas. Authorities and rescue agencies are continuing efforts to assess the situation and establish the whereabouts of those reported missing. The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contact numbers for tourists and their families seeking information or assistance.
The emergency contacts include the toll-free number 1234, the hotline 1144 and the Tourist Police number 9851289445. The tourism board urged tourists in the affected areas to remain calm, stay informed through official channels and follow all safety instructions issued by the authorities.
In view of the situation, Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah has consulted with federal parliamentarians from the affected areas, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. The discussion focused on the damage caused by the flash flood, the condition of coastal settlements, and rescue and relief efforts.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Shah had convened a meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to review the situation in the flood-affected areas and the progress of rescue, search and relief efforts. Search and rescue operations are underway, and further details are awaited.
