The death toll from the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 538, with more bodies recovered as rescue teams continue operations across eight districts.
Authorities remain on high alert following a rise in water levels in a lake formed by avalanches near the Nepal‑Tibet border, raising fears of renewed flooding.
According to Nepal Police, 134 bodies were recovered from Nawalparasi East, 221 from Chitwan, 46 from Gorkha, and 37 from Nuwakot. Additional recoveries include 33 from Dhading, 28 from Tanahu, 27 from Nawalparasi West, and 12 from Rasuwa.
The floods, triggered by an ice‑rock avalanche caused by a glacial collapse, sent torrents of water, mud, and debris through central Nepal, devastating towns, washing away homes, vehicles, roads, and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal confirmed that around 300 Indians are reported missing in the Bhote Koshi River region, while 400 Indians stranded on the Chinese side are safe. Earlier reports indicated that 133 Indians and 37 NRIs were among nearly 500 missing, including 50 pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency helplines at +977 9851316807 and +977 9709107500, coordinating with Nepalese authorities on rescue and relief efforts. The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency numbers — 1234, 1144, and the Tourist Police helpline 9851289445.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Beijing has opened a WhatsApp helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905 for assistance to Indians on the Chinese side.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister and offered humanitarian assistance. EAM S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to support flood‑stricken Nepal.
Rescue teams have so far recovered 33 workers from the Trishuli‑I project and 21 individuals from Tamil Nadu, while communication remains lost with 285 Indian nationals.
