Nepal flash floods: Nearly 300 Indians among thousands missing, death toll crosses 250; helpline numbers issued
PTC Web Desk: Nearly 300 Indian tourists are believed to be among thousands of people reported missing after devastating flash floods struck parts of Nepal near the Tibet border, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.
The floods hit several areas on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across three districts and leaving families searching for missing relatives.
Khanal said the authorities were still assessing the scale of the disaster as rescue and relief teams continued their work.
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“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The Nepal Police said the death toll from the flash floods had risen to 170 on Thursday. The disaster was linked to an avalanche that blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The sudden release of water hit Timure, an area close to the Nepal-China border near Rasuwagadhi, before the flooding spread to other locations.
Earlier reports on Wednesday said at least 133 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians were among nearly 500 persons whose whereabouts were unknown.
At least 50 of the Indian nationals reported missing were believed to be pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
With the situation changing rapidly and authorities still working to verify information, the number of missing Indian nationals remains a major concern.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has been coordinating with Nepalese authorities over rescue and relief efforts involving Indian nationals.
The embassy has asked people seeking information or assistance to contact 977 985 131 6807 or 977 970 910 7500.
In a separate update, the embassy said efforts were being stepped up in coordination with the Nepal government to locate and assist Indians affected by the floods.
The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contacts for people needing help. These include the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.
The Embassy of India in Beijing has also provided a WhatsApp helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905 for assistance.
Rescue and relief operations are underway in the affected areas as authorities search for missing people and assess the damage caused by the sudden flooding.
The exact number of people still unaccounted for is expected to become clearer as rescue teams reach affected locations and authorities verify reports from families and local officials.
The disaster has caused particular concern in India because of the large number of Indian tourists and Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims believed to have been in the affected region.
- With inputs from agencies
