As Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods, the Indian government is working with authorities in Nepal and China to trace and evacuate Indian nationals affected by the disaster.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that 320 Indian nationals remain out of contact in the flood-affected areas, while around 400 Indians on the Chinese side of the border have been confirmed safe.
320 Indians Still Out of Contact
According to the MEA, efforts are continuing to establish contact with the 320 Indians whose whereabouts remain unknown. Communication infrastructure has been severely affected in several areas, making it difficult for families and authorities to contact people who may be stranded.
The missing group includes people connected with the Trishuli hydropower project, as well as pilgrims believed to have been travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar region.
The MEA also said around 100 people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship have separately been reported out of contact.
400 Indians in Tibet Confirmed Safe
There was, however, some relief for families after the MEA confirmed that around 400 Indian nationals on the Chinese side had been contacted and were safe.
Jaiswal said 96 Indians who had been stranded on the Chinese side have already entered Nepal by road, with arrangements being made for their onward evacuation.
India has also confirmed the rescue of 63 Indian workers from the Trishuli hydropower project.
Meanwhile, 21 Tamil Nadu residents who had earlier reached Kathmandu after being caught in the flood-affected region have returned to India.
India Offers NDRF and Medical Teams
New Delhi has also offered additional assistance to Nepal as rescue operations continue.
According to the MEA, India has offered to send National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, specialised rescue teams and medical teams to help with the relief operation.
The proposed assistance includes personnel trained for tunnel rescue operations, along with other disaster-response resources.
Jaiswal said India is currently waiting for the Nepal government’s response regarding the offer.
Trishuli Hydropower Project Among Key Rescue Zones
The Trishuli hydropower project has become one of the major areas of focus for rescuers following the flash floods.
Workers at the project were among those affected as floodwaters and debris swept through the area. Rescue teams have been particularly focused on locating people who may have been trapped in tunnels or other vulnerable locations.
The rescue of 63 Indian workers has provided some relief, although authorities are still trying to establish contact with others whose whereabouts remain unknown.
India Coordinates With Nepal and China
The MEA said Indian authorities are coordinating with both Nepal and China to locate Indian nationals and facilitate their safe return.
Indian missions are also assisting affected citizens and their families as authorities work through the communication challenges caused by the disaster.
The latest figures highlight the continuing scale of the crisis, with hundreds of Indians still awaiting contact while rescue and evacuation efforts continue across the flood-hit region.
