KATHMANDU, Aug 27: Nearly 300 Indian tourists are among thousands of people reported missing after devastating flash floods struck parts of Nepal near the Tibet border, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.
The floods, which hit three districts on Wednesday, caused widespread destruction in the Rasuwa region and left thousands of people untraced.
Khanal said around 160 people had died in the disaster, while the full extent of the casualties and damage was still being assessed.
“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 said.
Nepal Police later put the death toll at 162 following the flash floods on the Bhotekoshi River.
The disaster occurred after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, with floodwaters first hitting Timure near Rasuwagadhi along the Nepal-China border.
Earlier, officials had said at least 133 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians were among nearly 500 people reported missing. At least 50 Indian nationals were believed to be pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been coordinating with Nepalese authorities for the rescue and relief of affected Indian nationals. It has also issued emergency contact numbers, +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500, for assistance.
The embassy said rescue and relief operations were being strengthened in coordination with the Nepal Government.
The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contacts, including toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.
The Embassy of India in Beijing has additionally provided a WhatsApp helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905 for assistance.
