Nepal faces a severe disaster after devastating floods and landslides caused widespread destruction. The disaster has claimed 162 lives so far. Officials fear the death toll may rise further. Meanwhile, more than 800 people remain missing across affected areas. Nepal’s Foreign Minister said around 300 Indians are also missing. Several Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims are among those affected.
Many other Indian citizens remain stranded in different parts of Nepal. Authorities continue collecting details about missing people.
Indian Pilgrims And Tourists Remain Untraceable
Several Indians travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage lost contact after the disaster. Mobile networks and communication services stopped working in affected regions. Therefore, authorities face difficulties while tracking travellers’ locations. The Indian Embassy and state governments started helplines for assistance. From Tamil Nadu, 37 tourists remain untraceable among 57 travellers. Officials have contacted 20 members from the group.
Meanwhile, Isha Foundation confirmed that 77 members stayed at an immigration centre. The organisation currently cannot contact them.
However, 495 members from the foundation have returned safely. Nepal authorities also reported that immigration centre staff remain unreachable.
State-Wise Updates As Rescue Operations Continue
A 32-member group from Kolkata also remains missing. The group left on August 21 and reached Nepal the next day.
The travellers stayed at Rasuwagadhi immigration office before heading towards Tibet. Floods struck during their stay, ending communication. West Bengal Police headquarters issued a helpline for assistance. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also remained stranded in Pokhara with associates. Tikait said road travel was impossible. Therefore, they plan to return through Kathmandu by flight.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed five Bengaluru residents remain missing. The government continues efforts to locate them. Andhra Pradesh officials identified 28 Tirupati pilgrims in Kathmandu. Authorities confirmed all 28 pilgrims remain safe. Maharashtra reported seven stranded tourists in Nepal. Officials contacted four people from Mumbai and Pune.
The state government created a 24-hour control room. Kerala also confirmed a 36-member tourist group remains safe.
Sikkim, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh governments issued helpline numbers for citizens.
India Sends Aid, PM Modi Assures Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah after the disaster. He assured complete humanitarian assistance.
India sent around 10 tonnes of relief material to Nepal. The supplies include temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said India stands with Nepal during this difficult period. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu released emergency contact numbers. Citizens can contact +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.
Nepal Tourism Board also announced support numbers. These include toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, and tourist police number 9851289445.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing issued another helpline, 0086 185 1428 4905. People can also use WhatsApp for communication.
Rescue Challenges Grow Amid Communication Breakdown
Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev expressed concern over the Nepal-Tibet border situation. He said communication systems collapsed after flash floods. He added that roads remain closed in affected areas. His team had around 80 people in the region. The group included people from several countries. It had 34 men and 46 women. Additionally, three volunteers and one doctor stayed at nearby hotels. Sadhguru said officials have not confirmed their safety.
The World Bank offered emergency financial assistance of 25 billion Nepali rupees. Agencies from India and Nepal continue rescue operations.
However, damaged roads, poor weather, and communication failures create challenges for relief efforts.
