At least 384 travellers, including 105 Indians, have been reported missing following a flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday morning, the Nepal Tourism Board said. The missing travellers include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals.Of the 291 foreign nationals reported missing, others include citizens of Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.The nationalities of several other foreign travellers are yet to be confirmed, while 37 have been listed as non-resident Indians (NRIs).The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding Indian nationals affected by the flash floods in Nepal.Those seeking assistance can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500, the MEA said.The preliminary list was compiled using information from 10 tourism and travel agencies. The Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other tourism stakeholders are working with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies to verify the whereabouts and safety of those reported missing, as cited by Nepal News.The preliminary agency-wise records show that 92 travellers were associated with Trekkers Society, 71 with Samrat Tours & Travels, 55 with Leaf Holiday, 52 with Himalayan Glacier, 31 with Kailash Journey, 27 with Fishtail Tours & Travels, 20 with Alpine Eco Trek, 17 with Kathmandu Holiday Tours & Travels, 12 with Richa Tours & Travels and seven with Explore Vacation.Tourists in the affected areas have been advised to remain calm, stay updated through official channels and follow safety instructions issued by authorities.Those requiring emergency assistance can contact 1234, 1144 or the Tourist Police at 9851289445, Nepal News reported.They can also approach the nearest police or security personnel, local administration, travel agency, guide or tour operator.At least seventeen people have been confirmed dead and more than 25 rescued following the flash flood, Nepal Army officials said, according to local media reports.Police said four bodies were recovered from Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot, near the Trishuli River. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations, with 14 helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs being used to locate those still missing.The Nepal Army said six people were rescued from Syafrubesi, two from Mailung and four from Dhunche in Rasuwa. It has also established an emergency treatment centre at Military Training Centre No. 1 in Trishuli.Four Armed Police Force personnel were initially reported missing from Rasuwa, while another report said nine personnel stationed at Timure, near the Nepal-China border, remained unaccounted for.A sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River struck the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area at around 9 am local time, affecting Rasuwa as well as parts of the neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.The flooding washed away vehicles, goods, bridges and other infrastructure, while several hydropower projects also suffered damage.Amid concerns over a potential flood threat in Bihar following heavy rainfall in Nepal, Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone, news agency ANI reported.Shah assured the Bihar government of all possible assistance to deal with the situation, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is being mobilised to respond to any emergency.Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed concern over the flood situation in Nepal and directed authorities in vulnerable districts to remain alert.
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