The Nepal Tourism Board has reported that 644 travellers, including 178 Indian nationals, remain missing following the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors on Wednesday.
The figures were issued on Thursday and updated until noon. The board said the preliminary list was compiled from trekking and travel companies and is being verified with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.
178 Indians among those unaccounted for
According to the country-wise breakdown in the update, 517 foreign nationals and 127 Nepali nationals have been reported missing. Indians account for the largest group of foreign nationals, with 178 people unaccounted for.
The list includes travellers from 33 countries. Among the other larger groups are 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians, 33 Britons and 25 Canadians.
Four districts severely affected
The Tourism Board said the flash flood affected parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha, with riverside areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli suffering severe damage. Other areas were reported to be unaffected.
Authorities, including the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourist Police and security agencies, are working to establish the whereabouts of those reported missing and to rescue or evacuate injured and stranded people.
The latest missing-person figures remain subject to verification as rescue teams continue their search across the affected areas. Nepal authorities have also reported hundreds of other people out of contact, including security personnel and tourists.
For emergency assistance, the Tourism Board has listed 1234 as a toll-free number and 1144 as a hotline, while Tourist Police can be contacted at 9851289445.