Indian officials have confirmed that 275 of their citizens are still unaccounted for ten days after catastrophic flash floods struck regions along the Nepal-Tibet border. The devastating deluge has claimed at least 1,294 lives in Nepal, with authorities fearing over 5,000 others are missing.
India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided an update during a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, revealing that 169 Indian nationals have been successfully rescued from the affected areas. He highlighted a recent operation in Trishuli Bazaar where three Indians, including a five-year-old child, were pulled to safety. Their embassy is currently facilitating their return to India via air.
Jaiswal also reported that 1,907 Indian nationals have safely crossed from China into Nepal. Citing official Chinese sources, he stated that no Indian travelers remain stranded in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A major focus of the rescue efforts remains the Chilime hydropower plant in Rasuwa, where hundreds of workers are believed to be trapped inside mud-filled tunnels. Indian Ambassador to Kathmandu Naveen Srivastava announced that a specialized Indian tunnel rescue team, working in coordination with the Nepali Army, has intensified operations. Teams have been drilling deeper into the tunnel and draining water, while constructing a temporary track to transport heavy equipment to the site.
Medical support has also been provided, with doctors accompanying the rescue teams holding health camps for the local community. Since the floods began on August 26, India has dispatched nearly 95 tonnes of relief materials to assist Nepal.
Heartbreaking news. 275 families still waiting for answers is simply unbearable.
Glad the embassy is facilitating returns, but what about the hundreds trapped at the hydropower plant? Hope they survive.
Wait, 169 rescued and 1,907 crossed from China, yet 275 still missing? The math feels off somehow.
The rescue operation at Chilime plant sounds incredibly dangerous. Really hoping the tunnel teams find a way in safely.
Nine-five tonnes of relief is good, but with over 5,000 missing in Nepal overall, isn’t that just a drop in the bucket?