New Delhi, August 27: As rescue efforts continued after devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 288 Indian nationals remained uncontactable on Thursday, while 21 Indians had been rescued so far. India is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to locate those still out of contact, with disrupted communication lines complicating efforts to establish contact with people in affected areas.
At a special media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the available information remained preliminary and could change as authorities verify details on the ground. He said the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu was working through Nepalese authorities to reach the affected nationals.
Of the 288 people currently uncontactable, 73 are associated with the Trishuli-1 Power Project. The Indian Embassy has been communicating with the project head to obtain further information about the group.
The remaining people include two groups of 37 and 49 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. Another 32 Indians from West Bengal, who travelled with Samrat Travels, were in Timure in Rasuwa district, where the disaster occurred.
A further 61 Indian nationals from different states travelled through Richa Tours, while another group comprises 33 Indians from Kerala. These groups account for most of the 288 nationals whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
Jaiswal said 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu had been rescued as of 1 pm on August 27. The Indian Embassy and Ambassador have spoken with the rescued group and assured them of assistance. The group is expected to travel to Kathmandu, after which arrangements will be made for their return home.
The flash floods, originating in the Tibetan region of China, swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River. Nepali authorities have reported more than 270 deaths, while more than 800 people remain out of contact.
India is also working to assist nationals stranded on the Chinese side after undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Jaiswal said approximately 200 Indian nationals had sought assistance for evacuation. Of these, 95 are in Darchen and moving towards Hilsa to cross into Nepal, four are in Guilin, 30 are in Zutulpuk and 60-70 others are travelling towards Saga.
The Indian mission in Beijing is coordinating with local authorities for their evacuation and is also attempting to locate any missing persons.
Jaiswal added that people of Indian origin, including a large group associated with the Isha Foundation, as well as some foreign and possibly Indian nationals, also remain uncontactable. He stressed that the figures were based on preliminary information and could change as the situation develops.
