Kathmandu [Nepal], August 27 (ANI): Following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board on Thursday said that 178 Indian nationals are among the missing after the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts a day earlier.
In an update of the situation, it said that "A preliminary agency-wise record received from trekking and travel companies has identified 644 travelers, including 127 Nepali nationals, who were reported missing from the affected area. The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies."
The statement also noted that riversides along the four affected districts, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha, bordering the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have suffered severe damage, while other areas remain unaffected.
Other than Indians, citizens of other countries are also missing in the devastating floods. 53 citizens are missing from Ukraine, 35 from Australia and 25 from Canada.
Nepal Embassy sources have also stated, "So far, 175 bodies have been recovered, while many people, both locals and tourists, are still missing. According to the latest available information, 476 people from 28 countries have been reported missing. These figures remain subject to verification as search and rescue operations continue."
As the rescue operations continue, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said that there has been no adverse flood impact reported in Indian border territories following the flash floods in Nepal, adding that agencies are closely monitoring water discharge levels across sensitive districts such as Kushinagar and West Champaran.
Speaking to ANI on domestic preparedness, IG Bundela stated that state governments and the Central Water Commission (CWC) are maintaining continuous vigil and field-level sensitisation has been completed.
The disaster has damaged dozens of bridges and roads, while rescue and relief operations have been intensified by Nepal's security forces using helicopters and ground teams. Medical assistance, temporary shelters, food, water and medicines are being provided to affected people.
India has further stepped up humanitarian assistance for Nepal, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, medicines and food packets has departed for the flood-hit country.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has set up helpline numbers for assistance: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117, which are also available on WhatsApp. (ANI)
178 Indian Nationals among 644 missing following devastating Nepal floods
