NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday that at least 288 Indian nationals remain out of contact across flood-affected zones in Nepal following severe weather that has claimed more than 270 lives. Ground teams have successfully evacuated 21 individuals, while relief personnel continue working to reach isolated pockets along the Himalayan border.
Addressing a press briefing, officials detailed that missing reports span multiple organized tour groups and infrastructure workers. The unaccounted individuals include 73 personnel attached to the Trishuli 1 power project, two groups totaling 86 travelers from Tamil Nadu, 32 individuals from West Bengal, 61 tourists managed by a private tour agency, and 33 travelers hailing from Kerala.
The ministry affirmed that diplomatic channels in both Kathmandu and Beijing are operating continuously to locate missing groups and organize safe transport routes.
“Preliminary data indicates that 288 Indian nationals remain out of contact across different sectors. 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, and arrangements are being made to ensure their secure return to India,” stated Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The spokesperson maintained that approximately 200 Indian nationals currently located on the Chinese side of the border have sought emergency support. The Indian Embassy in Beijing continues to coordinate directly with Chinese authorities to facilitate their safe evacuation and provide necessary supplies to affected transit zones.
