The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday evening, 27 August that 285 Indian nationals remain out of contact following devastating flash floods in Nepal, while 54 Indians have been rescued so far — including 33 workers from the Trishuli-I hydropower project and 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The MEA has activated a 24x7 Control Room to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and coordinate rescue efforts with Nepalese authorities.

Scale of the Disaster

The floods, traced to the Tibetan region of China, swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction across Nepal. According to Nepali authorities, the death toll has climbed to over 270, with more than 800 people still unaccounted for. The scale of the disaster has drawn urgent cross-border humanitarian responses, with India among the first to mobilise assistance.

This is not the first time the Bhote Koshi corridor has triggered a transboundary catastrophe — the river has historically been a flashpoint for glacial lake outburst floods originating on the Tibetan plateau, underscoring the structural vulnerability of the region to upstream events beyond Nepal's control.

Indians Stranded in China: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Crisis

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a special media briefing in New Delhi, said that a significant number of Indian pilgrims remain stranded on the Chinese side of the border. He said approximately 200 Indian nationals on the Chinese side have sought consular assistance. Of these, 95 are in Darchen and are currently proceeding to Hilsa to cross into Nepal; 30 are in Zutulpuk and are en route to the town of Saga; and 60–70 others are also heading to Saga. Additionally, four Indian nationals are in Guilin city.

Jaiswal stated: 'Our Embassy in Beijing is making all efforts for their safe evacuation. Our mission is in touch with local authorities and they are doing their best for their rescue and evacuation. Let me also tell you that there may be some people who are missing there and we are trying our best to locate them through the local authorities.'

Separately, Jaiswal flagged that a large group from the Isha Foundation — comprising people of Indian origin, some foreign nationals, and possibly Indian citizens — also remains uncontactable. He cautioned that figures are preliminary and subject to change given the fluid ground situation.

Modi Speaks to Nepal PM, India Sends Second Relief Consignment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on Wednesday, expressing India's solidarity with Nepal and offering all possible humanitarian assistance. The conversation reflects the broader diplomatic priority India places on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, particularly during crises involving shared river systems.

On Thursday, India handed over its second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material — comprising medicines and food packets — to Nepal's Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun. The MEA confirmed the handover, stating that 'India remains committed to standing by Nepal and its people.'

What Happens Next

With the monsoon season still active and river levels remaining elevated, further flooding cannot be ruled out. India's Embassy in Beijing and its mission in Kathmandu are both working in parallel to locate, verify, and facilitate the return of stranded nationals. The MEA has urged family members of Indian nationals in the affected region to contact the 24x7 Control Room for updates. Official figures on those uncontactable are expected to be revised as ground teams gain better access to affected areas.