Kathmandu: More than 100 Indians are among 384 tourists reported missing in Nepal after flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River hit the Rasuwa region on Wednesday morning, according to a preliminary situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The tourism board said the 384 missing tourists include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals, 105 are from India, while others are from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands.
However, the NTB clarified that the figures are preliminary and are being verified and cross-checked with travel agencies, local authorities and other concerned agencies. The nationalities of several missing travellers are also yet to be confirmed.
According to preliminary information, the missing travellers are associated with nine different travel agencies.
"The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies," the tourism board said in a statement.
The flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River caused major disruption in the Rasuwa region, raising concerns over the safety of tourists and others present in the affected areas.
Authorities and rescue agencies are continuing efforts to assess the situation and establish the whereabouts of those reported missing. So far, seven people have been confirmed dead and several others remain missing, according to The Kathmandu Times.
The Nepal Tourism Board has issued emergency contact numbers for tourists and their families seeking information or assistance. These include the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.
The tourism board urged tourists in the affected areas to remain calm, stay informed through official channels and follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.
Amid the situation, Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah consulted federal parliamentarians from affected areas, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.
The discussion focused on the damage caused by the earthquake, the condition of coastal settlements, and rescue and relief efforts.
Earlier in the day, Shah convened a meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to receive high-level information on the latest situation in the flood-affected areas and the progress of rescue, search and relief operations.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to the safety and relief of affected citizens and said clear instructions had been given to subordinate bodies to exercise additional vigilance in low-lying coastal areas and immediately relocate displaced people to safe locations.
Search and rescue operations are underway, and further details are awaited.
With IANS inputs