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Flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have left nearly 300 Indian tourists among the missing. The disaster has intensified cross-border rescue efforts as the death toll keeps rising.
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Kathmandu,UPDATED: Aug 27, 2026 10:48 IST
Nearly 300 Indian tourists are among thousands reportedly missing after flash floods swept through parts of the Nepal-Tibet border, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday. The floods struck on Wednesday and caused widespread destruction across three districts in Nepal.
Khanal said 160 people had died in the tragedy in the Rasuwa region and thousands remained untraced. Nepal Police later said the death toll had risen to 162 in the flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River.
"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.
The flash floods were caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi. The floodwaters first hit Timure, near Nepal's border with China at Rasuwagadhi.
On Wednesday, it was reported that at least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs were among nearly 500 people missing. At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers on Wednesday for assistance and information related to Indian nationals affected by the floods. In a post on X, it said people can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
In another post on X, the embassy said it has remained engaged with the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for early rescue and relief for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods in Nepal. It added that rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.
The Nepal Tourism Board also issued helpline numbers, including the toll-free emergency number 1234, the hotline 1144, and the Tourist Police number 9851289445. In Beijing, the Embassy of India issued a helpline number, 0086 185 1428 4905, which can be contacted through WhatsApp.
The floods have left at least 162 people dead, thousands missing and many families without homes, with Indian tourists among those still untraced as rescue and relief efforts continue.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 27, 2026 10:48 IST
