Nepal Floods: Rescue operations in full swing, authorities evacuate 85 Indians successfully

At least 85 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-hit areas of Nepal following devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, with authorities continuing efforts to locate and evacuate tourists still stranded in affected regions according to the latest update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board on Friday.

The figures, released on August 28, show that Indians constitute the largest group of foreign nationals rescued following the floods that struck parts of Nepal on August 26.

85 Indians rescued

The Nepal Tourism Board reported that 121 foreign travellers in total had been rescued from the affected areas.

Of these, 85 were Indian nationals, accounting for around 70% of all foreign travelers rescued.

The other rescued foreign nationals included 16 from China, nine from South Korea, two each from the US, Russia and Italy, and one each from Bulgaria and Switzerland. The nationality of three rescued travellers was yet to be confirmed.

The high number of Indian nationals among those rescued highlights the significant presence of Indian tourists and travellers in the affected areas.

Rescue operations continue

The flash floods struck the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Wednesday, affecting Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts.

Following the disaster, Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other tourism stakeholders have been working to verify the whereabouts and safety of tourists, particularly those who were travelling through the affected areas when the floods struck.

Authorities are continuing rescue and evacuation efforts for people who remain injured, stranded or otherwise affected.

Authorities checking on Indian tourists

With Indian nationals making up the overwhelming majority of rescued foreign travellers, authorities are continuing to verify the status of tourists who may still be in the affected regions.

The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contact numbers for tourists and their families seeking assistance.

Emergency assistance:

Toll-free emergency number: 1234

Hotline: 1144

Tourist Police: 9851289445

The latest figures provide relief for the families of the 85 Indian nationals who have been rescued, while rescue teams continue operations to account for other tourists and travellers caught in the flood-hit areas.