Nepal flash floods: Gujarat issues helpline numbers for affected citizens
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Gujarat government on 27 August issued dedicated helpline and emergency contact numbers for state residents and their families who may have been affected by devastating flash floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday, killing nearly 160 people and leaving over 750 missing, including 133 Indian nationals.
Gujarat Helpline Numbers
Residents of Gujarat seeking information or assistance have been advised to contact the state control room at 079-232-51900 or 9978405304. Alternatively, citizens can reach the state helpline at 1070 or the District Emergency Operation Centre of their respective district at 1077. Authorities have urged those in need to contact these numbers immediately.
Scale of the Disaster in Nepal
The flash floods, triggered suddenly, swept through parts of northern and central Nepal on Wednesday, with the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district — near the Tibet border — among the worst-hit areas. Vehicles, bridges, and critical infrastructure were washed away, severely disrupting movement through the mountainous region. Preliminary reports indicate nearly 160 people have been killed, while more than 750 people — including tourists and pilgrims — remain missing.
Indian Nationals Among Those Affected
Of those reported missing, 133 are Indian nationals, prompting a coordinated response from Indian authorities. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued separate emergency helpline numbers for Indian citizens affected by the floods: +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500. The embassy has also been actively coordinating with Nepalese authorities to manage the crisis. Several other Indian state governments have similarly established dedicated information channels for affected families.
Rescue Operations Under Way
Nepalese authorities have deployed helicopters and other resources to search for stranded and missing persons across the affected zones. The disaster has disrupted critical transport links and infrastructure in the region, complicating relief efforts. This comes amid a broader pattern of extreme weather events across South Asia this monsoon season, with flash floods and landslides repeatedly battering Nepal's river valleys.
What Affected Families Should Do
The Gujarat government has specifically urged family members of those travelling in Nepal — including pilgrims and tourists — to use the designated state and district helplines for updates and assistance. The Gandhinagar-based state administration is coordinating with central agencies and the Indian embassy to relay information as rescue operations continue. The situation in Nepal remains fluid, and further developments are expected as recovery efforts progress.