Image Credit, Reuters
Authorities have reported a significant number of tourists remain missing following the discovery of bodies from the Bhotekoshi flood disaster.
According to data available as of 12 noon on Thursday, the Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that 644 tourists are still unaccounted for due to the flood.
These missing tourists represent 33 different countries, including Nepal and India.
Majority are Indian Tourists
Image Credit, EPA
Sunil Sharma, spokesperson for the Nepal Tourism Board, informed that among the foreigners missing, Indians represent the largest group.
Specifically, 178 Indian tourists remain uncontacted. Additionally, 127 Nepalis, 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians, and 33 British tourists are also missing.
“We are coordinating search and rescue operations with related agencies,” Sharma added.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bishwaraj Adhikari of Nepal Tourist Police, mentioned that details of the tourists in the area are being collected from various tour operators.
Recently, 23 tourists rescued from Rasuwa have been brought to Nuwakot, although their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route has been affected by the flood. Some tourists are currently in Langtang region areas such as Syabrubesi and Gosainkunda.
Earlier, the Nepal Army rescued 21 missing Indian tourists from the Timure area and is working to bring them to Kathmandu, according to the Prime Minister’s Office Secretariat.
Several embassies have stated that they are working closely with Nepalese authorities for coordination on search and rescue efforts for the missing tourists.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said efforts are ongoing to assess the situation of Indians in the flood-affected areas.
“The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with various ministries, state governments, tour operators, and event officials,” he shared on social media.
“We are working closely with the Nepalese side regarding this and the relief efforts,” he added.
On Thursday morning in Canberra, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the missing Australians are part of various pilgrimage and tour groups and that they are in constant contact with local authorities and tour operators.
“We are coordinating humanitarian assistance with the Nepal government, United Nations, Red Cross, and other organizations,” she stated.
Breakdown by Country
According to information provided by Nepal Tourism Board at 12 noon on Thursday, the following are the number of missing tourists from 33 countries:
Australia – 35
Belarus – 1
Belgium – 3
Bulgaria – 1
Canada – 25
Finland – 1
France – 4
Germany – 8
Hungary – 1
India – 178
Ireland – 2
Kazakhstan – 2
Latvia – 6
Lithuania – 1
Malaysia – 51
Nepal – 127
Netherlands – 2
New Zealand – 5
Philippines – 1
Portugal – 2
Serbia – 1
Singapore – 9
South Africa – 6
Sweden – 1
Switzerland – 1
Ukraine – 53
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