Kathmandu: The Indian Embassy in Nepal has issued emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals affected by a devastating flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district, amid preliminary reports that 105 Indian travellers are among 384 people who have gone missing or lost contact in the affected region.
The Embassy shared two emergency numbers — +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500 — and urged people seeking assistance or information about affected Indian nationals to contact the helplines.
The flash flood struck the Rasuwa region near the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday morning, causing widespread damage to settlements, roads, bridges and infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi River. Search and rescue operations are underway in the affected areas.
384 travellers reported missing
According to a preliminary update from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 384 travellers have been reported missing or remain unaccounted for following the flash flood.
The preliminary figure comprises 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals listed as missing are 105 Indians, making Indians the largest group among the foreign travellers reported missing. The list also includes 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
The NTB has clarified that these figures are preliminary. Authorities are cross-checking the information received from tourism and travel companies with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies to establish the whereabouts and safety of those affected.
The missing travellers include people who were travelling towards destinations including Gosainkunda and the Kailash Manasarovar region. At least 59 of the Indians reported missing were pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, according to a travel agency cited by India Today.
Flash flood causes widespread destruction
The sudden surge of water through the Bhote Koshi River affected several areas in Rasuwa, including Timure and Syaphrubesi.
The floodwaters swept through riverside settlements and damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The Rasuwagadhi border area has also been affected, with roads and bridges connecting the border crossing suffering damage.
The disaster has also affected hydropower infrastructure in the region. Reuters reported extensive destruction in the Rasuwa area, with homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects damaged by the floodwaters.
The sudden nature of the flood has complicated rescue efforts, particularly in mountainous areas where access and communication have been disrupted.
Rescue teams mobilised
Nepal’s security forces have been deployed extensively for search and rescue operations. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepali Army are working in the affected areas to locate missing people and assist those stranded by the floods.
Fourteen helicopters have reportedly been deployed for search-and-rescue operations. However, high water levels and damage to infrastructure have created difficulties in reaching some locations.
Several security personnel are also among those who have gone missing. Radio Nepal reported that 26 police personnel were out of contact following the flooding, while eight bodies had been recovered from different locations in Nuwakot and Dhading as of Wednesday.
The number of casualties and missing persons could change as rescue teams reach areas that remain inaccessible and authorities verify preliminary information.
PM Modi speaks to Nepal Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah following the disaster and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives.
Modi also offered India’s support for Nepal’s rescue and relief efforts, saying India was ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. He said Indian teams were coordinating with Nepalese authorities on rescue and relief operations.
The Indian government’s response comes as the safety of Indian tourists and pilgrims in the affected region remains a major concern.
The Indian Embassy’s emergency helplines are intended to help families and others obtain information about Indian nationals affected by the floods.
Nepal issues emergency numbers
The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contact numbers for people seeking assistance or information about tourists and travellers in the affected region.
The numbers include the toll-free emergency line 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445. The Tourism Board has advised people to contact the nearest police or security authority, local administration, travel agency, guide or tour operator for assistance.
Authorities have urged tourists and residents to remain calm, follow official safety instructions and avoid relying on unverified information while rescue and verification operations continue.
With hundreds of travellers still unaccounted for, including more than 100 Indians, authorities are continuing efforts to establish their whereabouts. The preliminary figures are expected to be revised as travel companies, security agencies and local authorities complete their verification.
Emergency helplines
Indian Embassy, Nepal:
+977 985 131 6807
+977 970 910 7500
Nepal Tourism Board:
Toll-free: 1234
Hotline: 1144
Tourist Police: 9851289445