India has stepped up efforts to locate and assist its nationals affected by the devastating floods in Nepal and the adjoining Tibet region, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) saying that 108 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-hit areas and contact has been restored with another 50 people who were earlier untraceable.
Despite the progress, the situation remains critical. According to the MEA, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin are still missing, as rescue and search operations continue across the affected Himalayan region.
The government has also been coordinating closely with authorities in Nepal and China to facilitate rescue, relief and the safe movement of Indian nationals caught up in the disaster.
598 Indians cross into Nepal from China
The MEA said 598 Indian nationals safely crossed into Nepal from China over the preceding two days, while approximately 900 Indians remain stranded in China.
The stranded Indians are reported to be safe and in contact with authorities, according to the ministry.
The latest update comes as rescue operations continue in flood-affected parts of Nepal and Tibet following a catastrophic event in the Himalayan region that unleashed torrents of water, ice, rocks and debris.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with hundreds of deaths reported and thousands of people still unaccounted for across Nepal and Tibet.
India sets up round-the-clock coordination mechanism
The MEA said the Indian government has been working closely with the Nepali and Chinese authorities to accelerate search, rescue and relief operations involving Indian nationals.
A 24-hour Control Room has been established at the Ministry of External Affairs, while round-the-clock helplines are operational at the Indian missions in Kathmandu and Beijing.
The Indian missions are coordinating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to track missing persons, facilitate rescue operations and provide assistance to those who have already been evacuated.
“Our Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing have also remained engaged with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of search, rescue and relief efforts,” the MEA said.
The ministry added that Indian missions are also working to ensure the safety and well-being of rescued Indian nationals.
Focus on Indians affected by flash floods
The latest figures reflect the evolving nature of the rescue operation. While the number of Indians successfully evacuated or contacted has increased, authorities are still attempting to establish communication with hundreds of people whose whereabouts remain unknown.
The situation has been particularly challenging because of the scale of destruction, disrupted connectivity and difficult terrain in the Himalayan region.
India has therefore been coordinating with authorities on both sides of the Nepal-China frontier to trace missing nationals and facilitate their movement to safety.
Assistance for Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims
The MEA also said Indian missions are monitoring and facilitating the transit of Indian nationals returning from the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through Nepal.
The development is significant as the disaster has affected routes and communities in areas used by pilgrims and other Indian travellers.
The government is continuing to work through diplomatic channels and local authorities to ensure that Indians caught in the affected areas are accounted for and assisted.
India sends relief material to Nepal
Meanwhile, India has continued its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, dispatching another consignment of essential relief material as part of its ongoing support to the neighbouring country.
The assistance comes alongside the evacuation and search-and-rescue efforts involving Indian nationals.
With rescue operations still underway and hundreds of Indians yet to be traced, the MEA said its control room and diplomatic missions will continue to coordinate with authorities in Nepal and China to facilitate relief, rescue and safe transit.
