285 Indians Remain Uncontactable After Nepal Flash Floods, 54 Rescued
Kathmandu — A total of 285 Indian nationals remain out of contact following devastating flash floods in Nepal, while 54 Indians have been rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday.
Those rescued include 33 workers from the Trishuli-I project and 21 people from Tamil Nadu who had traveled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The MEA said India is continuing efforts to locate those who remain missing through Nepalese authorities and has established a 24-hour control room to monitor the situation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and expressed India’s solidarity with Nepal, offering humanitarian assistance.
The floods, which originated in the Tibetan region of China, swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River and caused widespread destruction in Nepal. Nepali authorities have reported more than 270 deaths, while more than 800 people remain out of contact.
Jaiswal said several Indian nationals who had traveled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are also stranded in China, and the Indian Embassy in Beijing is working with local authorities to evacuate them.
“We have received information that a number of Indian nationals who had gone on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are currently stranded on the Chinese side. Our Embassy in Beijing is making all efforts for their safe evacuation,” Jaiswal said.
About 200 Indian nationals in China have sought assistance, he said. Of those, 95 were in Darchen and traveling toward Hilsa to cross into Nepal, four were in Guilin, 30 were in Zutulpuk and heading toward Saga, while another 60 to 70 people were also traveling toward Saga.
Jaiswal said authorities were also trying to locate people who may be missing on the Chinese side.
The MEA has separately received reports about people of Indian origin who remain uncontactable, including a large group associated with the Isha Foundation. The group includes people of Indian origin, foreign nationals and possibly some Indian citizens.
Jaiswal cautioned that the figures were preliminary and could change as authorities gather more information.
Meanwhile, India delivered a second consignment of humanitarian assistance to Nepal on Thursday, including 37.5 tons of disaster-relief supplies, medicines and food packets.
“A helping hand from India. The second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines and food packets has been handed over to Mr. Mahabir Pun, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, to support Nepal’s flood relief and rescue efforts,” the MEA said on X.
“India remains committed to standing by Nepal and its people,” the ministry added. (Source: IANS)
