New Delhi, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
As many as 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable following devastating flash floods in Nepal, while 21 Indians have been rescued so far, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Addressing a special media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was making every effort to locate those who remain out of contact through the Nepalese authorities, as communication links in several affected areas have been severely disrupted.
Of the 288 uncontactable Indians, 73 are working on the Trishuli-1 Power Project. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to obtain further information about them.
Jaiswal said the other major groups include 37 and 49 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through separate travel operators, Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. Another group comprises 32 people from West Bengal who travelled with Samrat Travels and were in Timure in Rasuwa district, one of the areas severely affected by the disaster.
The remaining groups include 61 Indian nationals from different states who travelled through Richa Tours and 33 people from Kerala.
Regarding those rescued, Jaiswal said 21 Indian nationals, all from Tamil Nadu, had been rescued as of 1 p.m. on Thursday. The Indian Embassy and Ambassador have spoken to them and assured them of all possible assistance. Arrangements are being made for their onward journey home after they reach Kathmandu.
The flash floods, which originated in the Tibetan region of China and swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, have caused widespread destruction in Nepal. Nepali authorities have reported more than 270 deaths, while over 800 people remain uncontactable.
Jaiswal also said around 200 Indian nationals undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are stranded on the Chinese side. The Indian Embassy in Beijing is coordinating with local authorities for their evacuation.
Of these, 95 are in Darchen and moving towards Hilsa to cross into Nepal, four are in Guilin, 30 are in Zutulpuk and travelling towards Saga, while another 60-70 people are also heading towards Saga.
The MEA spokesperson said Indian missions were also trying to locate people who may be missing on the Chinese side. He added that some persons of Indian origin, including a large group associated with the Isha Foundation, comprising people of Indian origin and foreign nationals and possibly some Indian nationals, also remain uncontactable.
Jaiswal cautioned that the figures were based on preliminary information and could change as the situation remained dynamic.
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