Flood Fury / Flash Floods: 300 Indians Missing, Says Nepal Foreign Ministers

Kathmandu, Aug 27: Confirming the scale of the disaster, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said close to 300 Indians remain untraced following the floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa region.

Most of them were pilgrims journeying to Kailash Mansarovar, and authorities are working urgently to establish contact.

Speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, Khanal said the disaster in the Rasuwa region has already claimed 160 lives, with thousands still untraced. The official death toll has since risen to 177.

Also read: Nepal Flash Flood Kills 157, Hundreds Missing

“Town after town were wiped out within hours,” he said, adding, “Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster.”

Khanal noted that foreign nationals were among those affected. “Foreign nationals, including Indians, take the route in the affected area to the Mansarovar Yatra. Close to 300 Indians have been reported missing and the government is trying to establish contact with them,” he explained.

He added that around 500 foreign nationals in total remain out of contact, with embassies of various countries being kept informed.

Describing the floods as one of Nepal’s worst disasters in recent memory, Khanal expressed gratitude to India for dispatching immediate relief assistance.

“Right now the focus is on rescue and immediate relief. Many from across the globe are supporting and empathising with Nepal. Government of India has already sent relief. We express gratitude,” he said.

The minister also appealed to the international community to stand with Nepal during this crisis and continue visiting the country to help rebuild its economy. He stressed that most tourist destinations remain unaffected.

“Beyond immediate relief, it is important that the world remain connected with Nepal and help us rebuild. Tourism is critical to our rebuilding efforts. Would like to emphasise that the majority of Nepal is not impacted and most tourist areas are still open. Places like Pokhara and the Mount Everest Region are open to tourists and safe. Request people to spend their tourism dollar in Nepal, which will help us rebuild over the next few months,” Khanal urged.

Reflecting on Nepal’s resilience, he added: “We have emerged stronger after past tragedies, most recently the big 2015 earthquake. Nepal will rebuild itself again.”

(IANS)