The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable in Nepal following the devastating flash floods that have killed at least 270 people and left thousands missing in one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Himalayan country in recent years. Rescue efforts are ongoing in affected areas and humanitarian assistance is being provided to Nepal and stranded Indian citizens.
At a media briefing, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and expressed his condolences over the disaster. In the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister was in complete agreement with Nepal to assist Nepal and give all help to aid in the rescue and relief of people suffering from the disaster.
Jaiswal said that among the 288 missing Indians are 73 workers working on the Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, one of the key infrastructure projects in the flood-hit area. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been in touch with the project's management and is working closely with Nepalese authorities to get detailed information about the missing workers and coordinate the search efforts.
State-Wise Breakdown of Missing Indian Nationals
The MEA provided a detailed classification of the missing Indian citizens, implying that the majority belong to groups that had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or were employed in project-related work.
According to the ministry:
- 73 Indian nationals were working at the Trishuli-1 Power Project
- 37 Tamil Nadu residents travelled through Samrat Travels for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage
- 49 Tamil Nadu residents travelled through Fly Everest Travels
- 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal are reported uncontactable in Timure, Rasuwa district
- 61 Indian nationals from various states remain missing
- 33 Indian nationals from Kerala are also yet to be traced
#WATCH | Delhi: On several people being stranded in flood-ravaged Nepal, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The first group of 73 people who are working on the Trishuli-1 power project. Then, two separate groups of 37 and 49 nationals from Tamil Nadu, who traveled for… pic.twitter.com/tg9tYNCJ7I
— ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2026
The MEA said that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in constant coordination with Nepalese government agencies, district authorities, rescue teams and local administration to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance wherever required.
21 Indian Nationals Successfully Rescued
In a positive development, Jaiswal said 21 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-affected areas. Many of those rescued have come from Tamil Nadu and travelled to Nepal as part of pilgrimage groups.
The disaster zone’s conditions are still being evaluated, and authorities are assessing how damaged roads, landslides and communication breakdowns have hampered rescue efforts in the disaster zone. Helicopter, drone and ground personnel are helping find survivors and connect stranded travellers to the authorities, and search teams are searching for survivors in helicopters and on the ground to find them.
#WATCH | Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have rescued 21 Indian nationals who are from Tamil Nadu... We have received information that a number of Indian nationals who had gone on the Mansarovar Yatra are stranded on the Chinese side... There are approximately… pic.twitter.com/9Ik3Z17yGG
— ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2026
Nearly 200 Indians Stranded in Tibet Seek Help
The flood crisis also has affected Indian pilgrims on the Chinese side of the border. Indian officials are trying to help about 200 Indian nationals who are stranded in Tibet, MEA said.
According to the ministry:
- 95 pilgrims are in Garchan and are moving toward Bilsa for entry into Nepal
- 4 individuals are in Geelong City
- 13 pilgrims are in Zutulpo and travelling toward Saga
- Others remain in different transit points awaiting safe passage
The Indian Embassy and consular officials are working with Chinese officials and local governments to facilitate evacuation and ensure the safety of the stranded pilgrims.
India Sends Humanitarian Assistance to Nepal
As rescue work continues, India has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal. In response to a request by the Nepalese government, India sent two aircraft carrying relief material to Kathmandu.
The assistance includes:
- 8 tonnes of medicines
- 1 tonne of food supplies
- Additional emergency relief equipment
In total, India has provided 47.5 tonnes of emergency assistance to strengthen Nepal’s rescue, medical and rehabilitation efforts.
The MEA said India will continue to provide support and stand by Nepal through the crisis.
Causes of the Devastating Floods
Nepalese officials have said the disaster was triggered by an avalanche blocking the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, thus forming a temporary natural dam. When the dam collapsed, huge volumes of water poured down the pipeline, creating destructive flash floods.
The floodwaters first hit Timure, a settlement near the Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and China, before spreading to all the surrounding districts. Entire settlements were destroyed, bridges collapsed, and roads were severely damaged.
MEA Establishes 24×7 Control Room
The MEA has established an emergency control room for affected citizens and their families 24/7. Families in need of information on missing relatives or stranded people can contact the ministry through dedicated helpline numbers and email.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency response mechanisms and is also available through various contact channels, including WhatsApp for assistance to Indian citizens in Nepal.
- Telephone Numbers: +91 11 2308 8718, +91 11 2308 8719
- For WhatsApp Calls/Messages: +91 9968291988
- Email: [email protected]
Emergency Contact Numbers of Embassy of India in Kathmandu are: (can also be contacted on WhatsApp)
- +977 985 131 6807
- +977 970 910 7500
- +977 981 032 6117
Nepali authorities can also be contacted at the following helpline numbers:
- Tourist Police: +977 9851289445
- Nepal Army: +977 9851072914 (email: [email protected])
- NDRRMA: +977 9851320269 / +977 9849281097 / @NDRRMA_Nepal
- Rasuwa Police: +977 9851254960
- Assistant Chief District Officer, Rasuwa: +977 9851164422
- Nuwakot Police: +977 9851282380
- Assistant Chief District Officer, Nuwakot: +977 9851248777
- Dhading Police: +977 9851229860
- Chief District Officer, Dhading: +977 9851247777
- Chitwan Police: +977 9855013999
- Assistant Chief District Officer, Chitwan: +977 9855088891
Special Control Room in MEA for Nepal Floods Situation
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 27, 2026
Details below ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/hKxz6iIJTP pic.twitter.com/3dr6sT7tt0
Rescue Operations Continue
With hundreds still missing and rescue teams battling difficult terrain and adverse weather, the situation remains critical. Both India and Nepal are now collaborating to trace the missing, evacuate stranded travellers and deliver relief supplies to affected communities.
The disaster has exposed Himalayan areas to climate-related disasters and glacial hazards. As search operations continue, hopes remain for more survivors in the area, and governments in both countries are doing everything they can to provide aid to the thousands affected by the catastrophic floods.
