290 Indians remain uncontactable, 84 rescued in Nepal floods
At least 359 people have been killed and more than 1,300 remain missing following a devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, with search and rescue operations continuing across the affected areas, Nepali police said on Thursday.
The flash flood struck the Bhotekoshi River at around 9 am on Wednesday, sending a powerful surge of water and debris downstream and causing extensive destruction across three districts. Buildings, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure were swept away as the flood tore through settlements and a major market area.
Indian nationals are among those still uncontactable. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 290 Indians remain uncontactable, while 84 have been rescued. The government stressed that “uncontactable” does not necessarily mean missing or injured, as communications remain severely disrupted in the disaster-hit region.
Indians among those uncontactable
The affected Indians include Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, tourists and workers at the Trishuli 1 power project. As many as 73 workers at the project remain uncontactable, with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu coordinating with project officials.
Two groups from Tamil Nadu, comprising 37 and 49 people, are also uncontactable. Another 32 Indians from West Bengal were reportedly in Timure, while 61 Indians who travelled through Richa Tours and 33 from Kerala are also awaiting confirmation of their whereabouts.
The MEA said 21 Indians from Tamil Nadu had been rescued and would be brought to Kathmandu before arrangements are made for their return to India.
India sends relief supplies
India has dispatched two military aircraft carrying 48 tonnes of relief material to Nepal, including solar lamps, hygiene kits, medicines and food. The Indian Embassy is coordinating with Nepalese authorities on rescue and relief efforts.
Nepal’s security forces have deployed helicopters and ground teams, while medical assistance, temporary shelters, food, water and medicines are being provided to affected communities.
The disaster has also renewed concerns over growing risks in the Himalayan region. Similar flooding occurred in August 2025 after a glacial lake in Tibet overflowed amid high temperatures, killing nine people and damaging a bridge linking Nepal and China.
The latest disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan communities and infrastructure to sudden floods and other hazards linked to an increasingly unstable mountain environment.
NSDMA seeks information on Nagaland residents affected by Nepal flash floods
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has appealed to the public to share information about relatives or family members from the state who may have been affected or gone missing in the flash floods in Nepal on August 26.
The NSDMA urged individuals whose loved ones may have been caught in the disaster to provide details of the affected persons to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
The information should include the person’s name, contact number, address and any other relevant details that could assist authorities in identifying or locating those who may be missing.
The NSDMA said the information would help the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in its efforts to establish contact with families of Indian nationals affected by the disaster.
It also appealed to the public to provide as much information as possible and ensure that all details shared are accurate and verified.
People requiring assistance or wishing to provide information can contact the SEOC through the toll-free numbers 1070 or 112.
“Your information can help unite families,” the NSDMA said, urging people to stand together and support those affected by the crisis.
