Nepal floods: 149 Indians cross into Nepal from China, 320 still missing
Synopsis
While 149 Indian nationals have crossed safely from China into Nepal following devastating floods, 320 remain missing or unreachable — and Nepal's own toll stands at 579 dead and nearly 2,000 out of contact. India's diplomatic machinery is now racing to account for roughly 400 more nationals still sheltering inside China.
Key Takeaways
The MEA confirmed 149 Indian nationals crossed safely into Nepal from China on 28 August .
320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable following the Nepal floods .
Around 400 Indians are currently safe in China ; the Indian Embassy is working on their evacuation.
Nepal's disaster authority reported 579 deaths and 1,924 people out of contact as of Friday evening.
Nepal waived the USD 50 per week trekking fee at the Hilsa border point for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, effective 27 August , for one week.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, 28 August confirmed that 149 Indian nationals crossed over safely into Nepal from China, even as 320 people continue to remain missing or unreachable in the aftermath of the deadly floods that have battered Nepal. The MEA also released a full list of all 149 evacuees.
Current Status of Indian Nationals
According to the MEA, approximately 400 Indian nationals are currently safe inside China, and the Indian Embassy has been in active contact with them, working to facilitate their evacuation. The 320 individuals who remain missing or uncontactable are a continuing concern for authorities.
Notably, the situation remains fluid, with rescue and outreach operations ongoing across multiple border points between Nepal and China.
Scale of the Nepal Flood Disaster
Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had been recovered as of Friday. A further 1,924 people remained out of contact as of Friday evening, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis triggered by the flooding of the Bhote Koshi River.
This is one of the most severe flood events to disrupt cross-border movement between Nepal and China in recent years, affecting pilgrims, trekkers, and local communities alike.
Nepal Waives Trekking Fee for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims
In a significant humanitarian gesture, Nepal has waived the trekking fee for foreign nationals returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via the western Hilsa border point in Humla district for a period of one week. The waiver took effect on 27 August.
The Department of Immigration issued a formal notice confirming that the waiver applies to pilgrims who had earlier obtained departure permits from the Immigration Office in Rasuwa. Ordinarily, travellers passing through the Hilsa point — which traverses a restricted zone — are charged USD 50 per person per week.
Authorities cited the 'prevailing adverse situation' and the need to give 'top priority to humanitarian safety' as the basis for the decision.
Evacuation and Diplomatic Efforts
The Indian Embassy has been coordinating closely with both Chinese and Nepali authorities to facilitate the safe return of stranded nationals. The release of the names of all 149 evacuees by the MEA signals a move toward greater transparency as families of missing persons seek information.
With 320 individuals still unaccounted for and over 1,900 Nepali citizens also out of contact, diplomatic and disaster-response agencies are expected to intensify efforts in the coming days.
Point of View
But the figure of 320 still missing demands sharper public tracking. India's diplomatic bandwidth is being tested across two fronts simultaneously — coordinating with China on the 400 nationals sheltering there while pressing Nepal for information on the unaccounted. The Bhote Koshi floods also expose the perennial vulnerability of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route, where disruptions recur without a durable contingency framework. A dedicated rapid-response protocol for stranded pilgrims — rather than ad hoc embassy coordination — is overdue.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian nationals are missing after the Nepal floods?
As of 28 August, 320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable following the devastating floods in Nepal. The MEA confirmed the figure while also stating that 149 others had crossed safely into Nepal from China.
Where are the 400 Indian nationals currently safe?
Around 400 Indian nationals are currently safe inside China. The Indian Embassy has been in contact with them and is actively working to facilitate their evacuation back to India or Nepal.
What is the death toll from the Nepal floods?
Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 579 people swept away by the floods had been recovered dead as of Friday. An additional 1,924 people remained out of contact as of Friday evening.
Why has Nepal waived the trekking fee at the Hilsa border point?
Nepal waived the USD 50 per person per week trekking fee at the Hilsa border point in Humla district for one week starting 27 August to assist foreign pilgrims returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage amid flood disruptions. The Department of Immigration cited humanitarian safety as the primary reason.
Which route were the stranded Indian nationals using?
The affected individuals were largely returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through Nepal-China border crossings, including the Hilsa border point and routes through Rasuwa, which were disrupted by the Bhote Koshi River floods.
