New Delhi: As rescue and search operations continue following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that 288 Indian nationals remain unaccounted for.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said those missing include Indians employed at hydropower projects as well as members of tourist groups who were in Nepal when the disaster struck.
The ministry also confirmed that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu have been rescued.
73 Indians Working At Trishuli Power Project Among Missing
Giving details about the missing nationals, Jaiswal said 73 Indians working at the Trishuli One Power Project are among those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“There are 288 Indian nationals who remain unaccounted for. These include 73 Indian nationals who are working on the Trishuli One Power Project. Our embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to get more details about these people,” Jaiswal said.
Indian authorities are coordinating with officials and other stakeholders in Nepal as efforts continue to trace those affected by the floods.
The MEA also said around 200 Indians currently in Tibet have approached Indian authorities seeking assistance.
India Offers Further Assistance To Nepal
Reiterating New Delhi’s support for Kathmandu, the MEA said India would continue providing assistance required to deal with the aftermath of the disaster.
“India is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in this difficult time and we are ready to provide all assistance as per requirements of that country,” Jaiswal said.
India has already extended humanitarian and relief assistance to Nepal following the floods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spoken to Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives while offering all possible assistance.
Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises To 270
The flash floods, which struck Nepal on Wednesday, caused widespread destruction across three districts, leaving communities devastated and triggering large-scale rescue operations.
The death toll climbed to 270 on Thursday as authorities continued searching for thousands of people reported missing.
With hundreds of Indians still unaccounted for, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the MEA are continuing efforts to establish their whereabouts and assist affected nationals.
