At least 162 people have died and hundreds remain missing after a catastrophic flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday, with nearly 300 Indian citizens among those unaccounted for. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal confirmed the scale of the disaster and thanked India for sending immediate relief supplies.
Massive Casualties and Missing Foreign Nationals
The flash flood, which Nepal’s foreign minister described as one of the most devastating disasters in recent times, swept away entire towns within hours. Around 500 foreign nationals are out of contact, with approximately 300 of them being Indian citizens, mostly pilgrims traveling on the Kailash Mansarovar route through the affected region. At least 59 of the missing Indians were devotees on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage organized by Samrat Tours and Travel agency.
Indian States Report Tourists Unaccounted For
Tamil Nadu officials reported that 37 of 57 tourists from the state remain untraced, while 20 are confirmed safe. The Isha Foundation in Coimbatore said 77 of its members are missing at an immigration center, though 495 others have returned safely. The foundation’s founder Sadhguru stated that no official information has been received about those still missing. Maharashtra reported seven stranded tourists, with four confirmed safe and efforts ongoing to contact the remaining three.
Rakesh Tikait Stranded in Pokhara
Farmers’ leader Rakesh Tikait and his associates, who traveled to Nepal by road, are stranded in Pokhara. In a video message, the Bharatiya Kisan Union leader said they will fly to Kathmandu and then to Delhi, as road travel is impossible due to the flood damage.
India Sends Relief as Helplines Activated
India dispatched 10 tons of relief material and essential medicines via military transport aircraft. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, along with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, activated helplines. Maharashtra set up a 24-hour control room with toll-free number 1070 and +91-9321587143. Foreign Minister Khanal said Pokhara and the Mount Everest region remain safe and open for tourists, urging travelers to visit and support Nepal’s rebuilding efforts.
