The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed that 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable following the devastating floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, while 21 Indians have been rescued so far.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is working closely with Nepalese authorities to trace missing groups, which include Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, workers at the Trishuli‑1 power project, and tourists from different states.
Among those uncontactable are 73 Indians employed at the Trishuli‑1 project, two large groups from Tamil Nadu (37 and 49 pilgrims), a group of 32 from West Bengal, 61 from different states travelling through Richa Tours, and 33 from Kerala.
Jaiswal clarified that “uncontactable” does not necessarily mean missing or injured, but reflects the difficulty in establishing communication due to disrupted lines in the disaster‑hit area.
Meanwhile, 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu have been rescued and are expected to travel to Kathmandu before returning to India. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with them, and India’s Ambassador has assured all possible assistance.
Rescue and relief operations continue in Nepal, with helicopters and ground teams deployed to provide medical aid, food, water and shelter to affected people.
