New Delhi: At least 320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable following the devastating flash floods that struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, while around 400 more Indians are stranded on the Chinese side but reported to be safe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The disaster has triggered a massive search-and-rescue operation in Nepal and Tibet, with difficult terrain, damaged roads and bridges, communication disruptions and adverse weather making efforts to locate missing people increasingly challenging.
320 Indians Remain Missing In Nepal
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable in the aftermath of the floods.
Several Indians were in Nepal as tourists, workers and pilgrims, including people travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar region. The authorities are continuing efforts to establish contact with those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
As of late Friday, 84 Indians affected by the floods had been rescued, including 21 people from Tamil Nadu who had returned to India and 63 Indian workers associated with the Trishuli-I hydropower project.
400 Indians Stranded On Chinese Side
Around 400 Indian nationals are stranded on the Chinese side of the border, but officials said they are safe.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Chengdu are coordinating with Chinese authorities regarding their evacuation. At least 149 Indians crossed safely from China into Nepal on August 28, while additional Indians have also managed to leave the affected region.
The evacuation is being closely monitored as damage to roads and border infrastructure has complicated movement in the region.
India Offers All Possible Assistance
India has offered all possible assistance to Nepal as Kathmandu continues its rescue and relief operations.
The Indian government has already sent humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, including relief supplies. India has also deployed medical and rescue-assessment teams to help with specialised requirements.
New Delhi has indicated that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are ready to assist Nepal if required, although Nepal has said it currently needs international assistance primarily in specialised technical areas rather than general search-and-rescue operations.
Disaster Death Toll Crosses 600
The flash floods have caused catastrophic destruction across parts of Nepal and the adjoining Tibetan region.
Reports on Saturday put the death toll in Nepal at more than 600, with thousands still reported missing across the affected areas. The disaster was triggered by a glacier-related collapse and subsequent flooding along river systems near the Nepal-China border.
The Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river valleys have suffered extensive damage, with homes, roads, bridges and major infrastructure swept away or badly damaged.
At the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, rescuers are also working to reach people believed to be trapped inside a mud-filled tunnel.
Rescue Operations Hampered By Weather
Rescue teams are racing against time to reach survivors and locate missing people. However, difficult Himalayan terrain and poor weather have hampered helicopter operations.
The destruction of roads and bridges has also left several remote communities difficult to access. Rescue personnel are using helicopters, drones, ropes and other equipment to reach isolated areas.
Authorities are additionally monitoring newly formed glacial and debris-blocked lakes because of concerns that further flooding could occur if water levels rise or natural dams collapse.
Families Await News Of Missing Indians
For hundreds of Indian families, the priority remains establishing contact with relatives who have gone missing since the floods struck.
The Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating with Nepalese and Chinese authorities while working to facilitate the evacuation of those stranded on the Chinese side.
With rescue operations continuing, authorities are urging people to rely on official information as search teams work through some of the worst-affected areas.
Key Updates
- 320 Indians: Missing or uncontactable in Nepal.
- Around 400 Indians: Stranded on the Chinese/Tibetan side and reported safe.
- 149 Indians: Crossed safely from China into Nepal on August 28.
- 84 Indians: Rescued from flood-affected areas as of late August 28.
- India: Has offered all possible assistance to Nepal.
- NDRF: Ready to assist if requested.
- Death toll: Has crossed 600 according to latest reports.
- Rescue operations: Continuing despite difficult weather and terrain.
