Nepal Flash Floods: Govt Sets Up Special Control Rooms, Confirms 288 Indians Uncontactable

As many as 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable in Nepal following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, providing a detailed breakdown of the Indians whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

The MEA said the 288 uncontactable Indian nationals include people working on the Trishuli-I power project, multiple groups from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, a group from Kerala, and Indians who had travelled through different tour operators.

The ministry said the information available is preliminary, and efforts are underway to establish contact with the affected Indian nationals.

288 Indians Uncontactable In Nepal

According to the MEA, the 288 Indian nationals currently uncontactable include 73 Indians working on the Trishuli-I

power project. The Indian mission is in contact with the head of the project.

Two separate groups from Tamil Nadu, comprising 37 and 49 nationals, had travelled through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels, the MEA said.

Another 32-member group from West Bengal, which had travelled through Samrat Travels in Nepal, is currently uncontactable in Timure in Rasuwa district.

The list also includes a group of 61 people from different states who travelled through Richa Tours near Keung, besides 33 Indian nationals from Kerala.

The Indian Embassy is trying to establish contact with those affected, but the MEA said communication lines are not working.

150 Indians Missing On Chinese Side

The MEA also provided an update on Indian nationals on the Chinese side of the affected region.

According to the ministry, approximately 150 Indian nationals are missing on the Chinese side, while another 200 Indian nationals who are safe have sought assistance for evacuation.

Of those seeking evacuation, around 95 are in Darchen and are currently proceeding towards Hilsa to cross over into Nepal. Another four are in Jilong City, while approximately 30 are in Zutulphuk and en route to Saga.

The remaining 60-70 Indian nationals are heading towards Saga, according to the MEA.

The Indian mission is in touch with local authorities and is making efforts for rescue and evacuation operations.

MEA Sets Up Special Control Room For Nepal Flood Situation

A special control room has been set up at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters to coordinate the response to the Nepal floods situation, the MEA said.

Indian embassies have also established hotlines and are in touch with state governments to assist affected Indian nationals.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers for assistance and information concerning Indian nationals affected by the floods.

The numbers are [phone] and [phone].

PIOs, Foreign Nationals Also Uncontactable

The MEA said that Persons of Indian Origin associated with the Isha Foundation and foreign nationals also remain uncontactable.

The ministry emphasised that the information being provided is based on preliminary information currently available.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his deepest condolences over the tragedy and offered all possible assistance, the MEA said.

Nepal Floods Leave Hundreds Missing

The MEA update comes after Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said nearly 300 Indians were among thousands reportedly missing after flash floods swept through parts of the Nepal-Tibet border.

The flash floods on Wednesday wreaked havoc across three districts in Nepal. Khanal said thousands remained untraced after the tragedy in the Rasuwa region.

The death toll rose to 270 on Thursday, in the flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River.

PTI reported that the flash floods were caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The flooding first hit Timure, near Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi.

On Wednesday, PTI had reported that at least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs were among nearly 500 people missing. At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

MEA Sets Up Control Room, Embassies Issue Helplines

The MEA has set up a control room at its headquarters to coordinate assistance. Indian embassies have also established hotlines and are in touch with state governments.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers for assistance and information concerning Indian nationals affected by the floods. The numbers are [phone] and [phone].

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu said it has remained engaged with relevant Nepal government authorities for early rescue and relief for affected Indian nationals, with rescue and relief efforts being strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.

The Nepal Tourism Board also issued emergency numbers, including toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, and Tourist Police number 9851289445.

The Embassy of India in Beijing has issued another helpline number, 0086 185 1428 4905, which can be contacted through WhatsApp.