Nepal Floods: 288 Indians Uncontactable, 21 Rescued, Centre Informs

As rescue and relief operations continue in Nepal's Rasuwa district after devastating floods, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reported that 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable, while 21 have been rescued. The affected Indians include pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, workers at the Trishuli 1 power project and tourists from different parts of India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian authorities are coordinating with Nepalese officials to establish contact with those affected and locate people stranded in the disaster-hit region. Of the 288 Indians currently uncontactable, 73 are workers at the Trishuli 1 power project. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project's head to gather information about the workers. However, communication remains difficult because networks in the affected area have been disrupted.

Several groups of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims are also among those currently uncontactable. Two groups from Tamil Nadu, comprising 37 and 49 Indians, travelled through Samrat Travels and Fly Everest Travels respectively. Another group of 32 Indians from West Bengal, who travelled with Samrat Travels, was reportedly in Timure in Rasuwa district when the disaster struck. In addition, 61 Indians who travelled through Richa Tours and 33 people from Kerala are also awaiting confirmation of their status.

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The MEA clarified that being classified as "uncontactable" does not necessarily mean that a person is missing or injured. The term indicates that authorities have not yet been able to establish communication with the individuals because of the severe disruption to connectivity in the region. Officials are continuing to work through Nepalese authorities and local contacts to verify the status of those listed.

Meanwhile, 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, with the latest figure recorded at 1 pm on Thursday. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has established contact with the rescued group, and India's Ambassador to Nepal has spoken to them and assured them of assistance. The group is expected to travel to Kathmandu before arrangements are made for their return to India.

The latest update follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the disaster. Modi conveyed India's condolences and offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The Indian Embassy is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to trace Indian nationals, assist those rescued and facilitate their return. The MEA has indicated that further updates will be issued as verified information becomes available.

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