As many as 320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable following flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district earlier this week. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported this on Friday, as India intensified efforts to assist both its citizens and Nepal’s rescue operations.
Current Situation
More than 100 people of Indian origin, who may hold other nationalities, also remain uncontactable. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided these figures during a briefing on the situation.
On the same day, 21 Indian citizens from Tamil Nadu, who were rescued from the flood-hit areas, arrived in New Delhi from Kathmandu. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received them at the airport, stating:
“"Received a group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were rescued from the floods in Nepal. Was moved to hear their experience first hand."
Rescue Efforts
In addition to the rescued individuals, 96 Indians from the Chinese side of the border in Tibet have crossed into Nepal. Another 400 Indian nationals on the Chinese side are safe and remain in contact with authorities, as communication networks are functioning there. The government is arranging the return of those rescued so far.
