288 Indians remain untraced in Nepal floods; govt says 200 stranded on China side

The government said 288 Indians remain untraced in flood-hit Nepal, while around 200 are stranded on the Chinese side. The figures underline the fluid rescue effort as authorities verify locations and move those rescued to safety.241 killed so far in Nepal due to floods. (Photo: Reuters)As rescue efforts continue in flood-ravaged Nepal, 288 Indian nationals remain untraced, including power project workers and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, while the government said around 200 Indians are stranded on the Chinese side and some of those reported missing could be there.The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that the 288 Indians broadly comprise five major groups whose whereabouts remain unknown. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu had been rescued and were being brought to Kathmandu."The situation is dynamic and information is regularly getting updated," Jaiswal said.MEA GIVES BREAKDOWN OF 288 INDIANSJaiswal said the largest group among the Indians being traced comprises 73 people working on the Trishuli-1 power project. "The first group of 73 people who are working on the Trishuli-1 power project," he said.The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to obtain more information about the workers. "Our embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to get more details about these people," Jaiswal said.The next two groups comprise 37 and 49 Tamil Nadu nationals who travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels.Another group comprises 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal who travelled with the help of Samrat Travels and are in Timure in Rasuwa district.The MEA also referred to a group of 61 Indian nationals from different states, followed by 33 Indian nationals from Kerala."These are five major groups who comprise, by and large, 288 people that we are talking about," Jaiswal said.SOME MISSING IN CHINA, 200 STRANDED THEREThe MEA said some Indians being reported missing in Nepal could potentially be on the Chinese side."It is possible that some Indians missing might be missing in the Chinese side," Jaiswal said.He added that, as mentioned earlier, around 200 Indians remain stranded on the Chinese side.The two figures have been given separately by the MEA, and Jaiswal's remarks indicate that there could be some overlap between Indians being traced and those stranded on the Chinese side.21 TAMIL NADU NATIONALS RESCUEDThe MEA said 21 Indian nationals were rescued at around 1 pm on Thursday, all of them from Tamil Nadu.The rescued Indians are being brought to Kathmandu and will later be transported back to India.The development comes as authorities continue to establish contact with Indians caught in the flood-affected areas and determine their safety and whereabouts.INDIA SENDS 47.5 TONNES OF ASSISTANCEIndia has so far sent 47.5 tonnes of assistance to Nepal, according to the MEA.The government said the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material, including medicines and food packets, had been handed over to Nepal's Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun.India has also sent two aircraft carrying relief material - one C130J and one C17.The government is considering sending another tranche of relief material to Nepal, including belly bridges.PM MODI OFFERS ALL POSSIBLE HELPPrime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal on Wednesday and conveyed India's deepest condolences following the disaster.He also conveyed that India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and offered all possible assistance.The MEA said India remains committed to supporting Nepal and its people as rescue and relief operations continue.24X7 MEA CONTROL ROOM SET UPThe Ministry of External Affairs has set up a 247 control room to assist with the Nepal flood situation and coordinate information concerning Indians affected by the disaster.The control room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 and +91 11 2308 8719. WhatsApp calls and messages can be made to +91 9968291988.The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu can be contacted on its emergency numbers: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117. These numbers can also be contacted on WhatsApp.The MEA has also provided emergency contacts for Nepali authorities, including the Tourist Police, Nepal Army and NDRRMA, as well as authorities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan.HELPLINES FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED AREASFor Rasuwa, the police can be contacted at +977 9851254960, while the Assistant Chief District Officer can be reached at +977 9851164422.For Nuwakot, the police helpline is +977 9851282380 and the Assistant Chief District Officer's number is +977 9851248777.For Dhading, the police can be reached at +977 9851229860 and the Chief District Officer at +977 9851247777.For Chitwan, the police number is +977 9855013999, while the Assistant Chief District Officer can be contacted at +977 9855088891.The MEA also shared the Nepal Tourist Police number +977 9851289445, Nepal Army number +977 9851072914 and NDRRMA contacts +977 9851320269 / +977 9849281097.As tracing operations continue, the government said information is being regularly updated because of the rapidly changing situation on the ground.- EndsPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Aug 27, 2026 16:31 IST