Nepal Foreign minister Shisir Khanal has said nearly 300 Indian nationals, many of them pilgrims travelling towards Masarovar, have been reported missing after devastating flash floods struck the Rasuwa region.
Speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, Khanal said the disaster had caused widespread destruction, with 160 deaths confirmed and thousands of people still untraced.
“Town after town have been wiped out within hours,” Khanal said, describing the scale of the devastation.
Thousands remain untraced
Khanal said authorities were still assessing the full impact of the floods and trying to establish contact with people who remained missing.
“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster.”
He said at least 300 Indian nationals were among those reported missing. Many of them were travelling on the route used by pilgrims heading towards Masarovar.
“Foreign nationals, including Indians, take the route in the affected area to the Masarovar Yatra. Close to 300 Indians have been reported missing and the government is trying to establish contact with them,” Khanal said.
Overall, around 500 foreign nationals were out of contact, according to the minister. The Nepal government was coordinating with the embassies of the affected countries to trace them.
“We are as committed to the safety and well being of foreign nationals as we are to the Nepali citizens,” Khanal said.
Nepal thanks India for relief
Khanal described the floods as one of the worst disasters to hit Nepal in recent times and acknowledged the assistance being provided by India.
“Right now the focus is on rescue and immediate relief. Many from across the globe are supporting and empathising with Nepal. Government of India has already sent relief. We express gratitude.”
Rescue and relief efforts remain the immediate priority as authorities work to determine the extent of the destruction.
Nepal urges tourists to return
Khanal also appealed to the international community to remain connected with Nepal and support its recovery through tourism. He said most tourist destinations were unaffected by the floods.
“Beyond immediate relief, it is important that the world remain connected with Nepal and help us rebuild. Tourism is critical to our rebuilding efforts. Would like to emphasise that majority of Nepal is not impacted and most tourist areas are still open. Places like Pokhra and Mount Everest Region are open to tourists and safe. Request people to spend their tourism dollar in Nepal which will help us rebuild over the next few months,” Khanal said.
“We have emerged stonger after past tragedies, most recently the big 2015 earthquake. Nepal will rebuild itself again,” he added.