Nepal floods: 291 foreign nationals among hundreds of travellers reported missing

The Nepal Tourism Board NTB has reported that over 384 travellers are missing following a sudden flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district on Wednesday morning an official statement saidThe preliminary figures include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens Authorities are carrying out search and verification efforts with tourism operators local guides and security agenciesFlash flood triggers search operationThe sudden rise in water levels in the Bhote Koshi River was reported on Wednesday morningThe Nepal Tourism Board Tourist Police and tourism stakeholders have launched a joint effort to verify the whereabouts of the missing travellers and gather updated information from tour operators the statement saidOfficials are crosschecking passenger details with travel companies local guides and security agencies as communication with affected areas is restoredIndians among missing travellersInformation provided by tour operators indicates that several Indian nationals are among those reported missingAccording to the data Samrat Tours amp Travels has reported 71 missing travellers including 59 Indians and 12 Nepali citizensLeaf Holiday has reported 55 missing travellers including 46 Indians and nine Nepali citizens Himalayan Glacier has reported 52 travellers including 37 NRIs and 15 Nepali citizensOther agencies have also reported foreign and Nepali travellers missingAgencywise detailsThe preliminary breakdown provided by the authorities is Samrat Tours amp Travels 71 travellers mdash 59 Indians 12 Nepali Trekkers Society 92 travellers mdash 77 foreign nationals whose nationalities are yet to be confirmed 15 Nepali Leaf Holiday 55 travellers mdash 46 Indians nine Nepali Himalayan Glacier 52 travellers mdash 37 NRIs 15 Nepali Kailash Journey 31 travellers mdash 26 foreign nationals whose nationalities are yet to be confirmed five Nepali Fishtail Tours amp Travels 27 travellers mdash three from the US 17 from Malaysia seven Nepali Alpine Eco Trek 20 travellers mdash 12 from the UK four from South Africa four Nepali Kathmandu Holiday Tours amp Travels 17 travellers mdash one from Australia one from the Netherlands 15 Nepali Richa Tours amp Travels 12 travellers mdash eight foreign nationals whose nationalities are yet to be confirmed four Nepali Explore Vacation seven travellers mdash all NepaliThe figures are preliminary and could change as authorities receive more information and complete verificationEmergency helplines issuedAuthorities have set up dedicated emergency contacts for families seeking information and travellers requiring assistanceThe available numbers are Tollfree emergency line 1234 Emergency hotline 1144 Tourist Police 977 9851289445The Nepal Tourism Board has advised people in the affected region to remain calm and follow information issued through official channelsTravellers who require assistance have been advised to contact local authorities or their tour operatorsSearch and verification continueOfficials are continuing efforts to establish the exact locations and safety status of those reported missingAs the situation develops authorities are expected to update the number of missing travellers after receiving verified information from tour agencies security personnel and people in the affected areas