At least 275 Indian nationals remain missing following the devastating flash floods and mudslides that struck Nepal and parts of Tibet on August 26, while 169 Indians have been rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 1,907 Indian nationals who were in China during the disaster have safely crossed into Nepal, and no Indian travellers remain stranded in Tibet’s Autonomous Region. The missing figure includes 49 Indians reported missing in China.
Three more Indians were rescued from Trishuli Bazar, one of the worst-affected areas, taking the total number of Indians rescued to 169. India thanked Nepalese authorities for their continued rescue efforts.
The disaster was triggered by flash floods and debris flows following the partial collapse of a glacier near the China-Nepal border. The powerful surge of water, mud and rocks swept through settlements along the Trishuli River, destroying villages, roads and bridges. More than 1,280 people have reportedly died, while thousands remain missing on both sides of the border.
India has deployed 54 personnel to Nepal to assist with rescue and relief operations and has delivered 95 tonnes of relief supplies through seven aircraft. The teams include tunnel rescue specialists, forensic experts and medical personnel.
Jaiswal said India would continue providing assistance based on Nepal’s requirements, including additional forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other relief materials.
Amid calls from Nepal for greater international support over climate-related disasters, India reiterated that climate change is a shared global challenge. Jaiswal said developed nations, which have historically contributed significantly to global emissions, should take greater responsibility by reducing emissions and providing financial and technological support to developing countries.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal clarified that the country’s call for compensation was directed at the global community and was not aimed specifically at India, China or the United States.
