A sudden and powerful flash flood swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, killing more than 160 people and leaving over 750 others missing. The disaster struck near the Nepal–China (Tibet) border, hitting districts along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
Nepal Police reported 157 deaths in the initial count, while later updates put the toll past 160 as rescue teams continued to recover bodies from debris and riverbanks. Authorities warn the number could rise further as access to remote areas improves.
Who is missing?
More than 750 people are unaccounted for, including hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims. Officials say at least 130–134 Indian nationals are among the missing, many of them travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Reports also mention dozens of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and tourists from other countries in the missing list. Some groups, including members linked to the Isha Foundation, have separately said many of their members remain untraceable.
Rescue and relief operations
Nepal’s army, police and disaster-response teams have launched large-scale search-and-rescue operations. Helicopters are being used to reach cut-off villages and stranded people along the affected river valleys.
China has also activated rescue efforts on its side of the border after the flood, which is believed to have been triggered by a sudden surge from Tibet, possibly linked to seismic activity or a glacial outburst.
The floodwaters destroyed several bridges, damaged roads and impacted multiple hydropower projects, complicating relief work and evacuation.
Emergency helpline numbers for Indians
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency contact numbers for Indians affected by the floods or for their families seeking information.
Indian Embassy helplines (Nepal):
- +977 985 131 6807
- +977 970 910 7500
Indians in India can also contact MEA-linked helplines:
- 1800 309 3793
- 918069009900
The Nepal Tourism Board has also shared tourist helplines:
- Toll-free: 1234
- Hotline: 1144
- Tourist Police: 9851289445
Families of missing persons are advised to register details with the nearest Indian mission, state authorities, and the embassy helplines.
Impact on border areas and travel
The worst-hit areas include Rasuwa and nearby districts along the Tibet border, where entire settlements were inundated within minutes. Many tourists and pilgrims were travelling through these routes when the flood hit.
Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have put disaster-response teams on alert as a precaution, given the transboundary nature of the rivers.
Travel to the affected border zones has been disrupted, and authorities are advising people to avoid non-essential movement until rescue and assessment operations stabilise.
How to help or get updates
- Follow official updates from Nepal Police, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and MEA.
- Use the helpline numbers above before planning travel to the region.
- Share verified information only; avoid circulating unconfirmed lists of missing persons.
For journalists and content creators, stick to official figures and attribute updates to credible sources such as Nepal Police, embassy statements, and recognised news wires.
