288 Indians Missing in Nepal Floods, 21 Rescued

Nepal’s devastating flash floods and landslides have left 288 Indian nationals uncontactable, while 21 have been rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday (August 27).

Among those uncontactable are 73 Indian nationals working at the Trishuli-1 hydropower project, along with tourists and pilgrims who travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

The ministry also said around 200 Indians are stranded on the Chinese side of the Nepal-China border. Indian authorities are coordinating with Nepal and China to locate and assist those affected.

Several groups from different Indian states remain out of contact, including groups from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Officials said severe damage to telecommunications infrastructure has made communication extremely difficult.

However, the ministry clarified that being “uncontactable” does not mean the individuals are dead or injured. Rescue and search efforts are continuing.