NEW DELHI/KATHMANDU: The search for Indian pilgrims and tourists caught in the catastrophic Nepal-Tibet flash floods has intensified, with more than 100 Indian nationals still reported missing or out of contact as rescue teams use helicopters to reach areas devastated by water, mud and debris.
The exact number of Indians unaccounted for remains fluid. Earlier figures from Nepal’s tourism authorities put the number at 133, while newer reports have cited figures ranging from 142 to 177 as agencies reconcile passenger manifests, tour-group records and information from families. Some Indian reports have put the number even higher.
Many Missing Indians Were Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims
A significant number of the missing Indians are believed to have been travelling through Nepal and Tibet as part of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
The disaster struck a major route used by tourists and pilgrims travelling between Kathmandu and Tibet. Floodwaters and enormous quantities of debris destroyed roads, bridges and settlements, cutting off groups travelling through the Himalayan region.
Reports indicate that tourists from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and other Indian states were among groups travelling in the affected region.
Authorities have stressed that being listed as missing does not necessarily mean a traveller has been confirmed as a casualty. Communication networks have been badly disrupted, and some groups may simply remain unreachable.
Centre Asks States for Details of Missing Indians
The Indian government has asked state administrations to compile information about citizens who may have been caught in the disaster.
Officials are seeking names, telephone numbers and other identifying information from families unable to contact relatives who were travelling in Nepal or Tibet. The information is intended to help central agencies coordinate with Nepalese authorities and streamline communication with affected families.
The effort is particularly important because different lists have produced different totals for missing Indian citizens.
Massive Search-and-Rescue Operation Underway
Rescue operations are continuing across the disaster zone despite extremely challenging terrain.
Nepalese teams are using helicopters to search for survivors, evacuate injured people and deliver emergency supplies to communities cut off after roads and bridges were destroyed.
Reuters reported that nearly 1,500 people were missing across Nepal and Tibet, including more than 700 foreign nationals from over two dozen countries. At least 125 people, including 20 foreigners, had been rescued as operations continued.
The missing include citizens from India, the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada and several other countries.
India Sends Emergency Relief to Nepal
India has moved quickly to assist Nepal following the disaster.
The first batch of Indian humanitarian assistance has been dispatched to the flood-hit country, containing emergency relief supplies for affected communities. India has also offered broader assistance as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah following the catastrophe and conveyed India’s readiness to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
India and Nepal share close geographical and logistical links, making cross-border coordination particularly important during major Himalayan disasters.
Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Helplines
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has established emergency communication channels for families seeking information about relatives affected by the floods.
The helpline numbers reported by the Ministry of External Affairs are +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.
Families are being encouraged to provide accurate travel details, including tour operators, itineraries and last-known locations, to help authorities trace missing travellers.
Missing Numbers Continue to Change
Authorities have cautioned against treating any single missing-person figure as final.
The disaster covers territory on both the Nepalese and Tibetan sides of the border, while many tourists were travelling in organised groups. Damaged telecommunications infrastructure has made verification particularly difficult.
Nepal’s tourism authorities initially listed 105 Indian citizens as missing. That figure subsequently increased to 133, while later updates reported still higher numbers.
The changing figures reflect the enormous challenge of determining whether travellers were directly caught in the flood, stranded elsewhere or simply unable to communicate.
Search for Survivors Remains Top Priority
The catastrophe has caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan border region, sweeping away settlements, roads, bridges and power infrastructure.
As rescuers continue searching through debris and isolated valleys, the immediate priority remains locating survivors, evacuating injured people and restoring communication with stranded tourists and pilgrims.
For hundreds of Indian families waiting for information, verification of passenger lists and contact with isolated groups will be critical in the coming hours.
With rescue operations still underway and missing-person records being continuously updated, officials have urged families and the public to rely on information from government agencies and verified authorities rather than unconfirmed casualty lists circulating online.
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