Nepal floods: 133 Indians missing, Rajasthan activates emergency helplines
Synopsis
Over 133 Indian nationals — many believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims — are among more than 750 people missing after catastrophic floods and landslides hit Nepal's Rasuwa district. Rajasthan has activated a 24x7 emergency centre and multiple helplines, but communication blackouts and road damage are slowing rescue efforts.
Key Takeaways
Flash floods and landslides in Nepal's Rasuwa district have left more than 750 people missing or unreachable as of 27 August .
At least 133 Indian nationals are among the missing, many reportedly Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims and tourists.
The Rajasthan SEOC in Jaipur is operating round the clock, coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Ministry of External Affairs .
Toll-free helplines 1070 and 112 are active; email queries can be sent to relief-rj@nic.in .
Road damage and communication blackouts in Rasuwa are hampering rescue and contact with stranded individuals.
The government has urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
The Rajasthan government activated emergency helplines on 27 August after devastating floods and landslides struck Nepal's Rasuwa district, with more than 750 people reported missing or unreachable — including at least 133 Indian nationals. Among those unaccounted for are believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims and tourists passing through the affected Himalayan corridor.
State Emergency Machinery on Alert
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Jaipur is operating round the clock, coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the Ministry of External Affairs, and local Nepali authorities to trace stranded residents and facilitate evacuation. The state's Disaster Management Department has placed its full emergency apparatus on standby.
Officials have acknowledged that the exact number of Rajasthan residents among the 133 missing Indians is not yet confirmed, as severe damage to roads, infrastructure, and communication networks has made contact difficult.
Helpline Numbers and Contact Details
Families unable to reach relatives in Nepal can contact the Rajasthan control room through toll-free numbers 1070 and 112. Additional lines include 0141-2851960, 0141-2385776, 0141-2385777, 0141-2227296, 0141-2927392, and 0141-2227603. The emergency IP number is 28888. Written queries can be directed to relief-rj@nic.in.
Callers are requested to furnish the missing person's full name, passport or identification details, last known location, and any available travel information to help authorities verify and prioritise cases swiftly.
Why Rasuwa Is a High-Risk Zone
Rasuwa district, located near the Nepal-Tibet border, is a strategically significant transit zone for pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar and trekkers bound for high-altitude Himalayan destinations. Its narrow mountain roads and steep terrain make it acutely vulnerable to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season. This comes amid a broader pattern of recurring flood emergencies in Nepal's northern districts each year between July and September.
Recent flash floods have severely disrupted access routes, compounding the challenge for rescue teams already operating in difficult terrain. Communication blackouts in the affected zones have added to the distress of families waiting for news.
Government Advisory to Citizens
The Rajasthan government has urged families not to panic and to rely exclusively on official channels for verified information. Authorities have specifically cautioned against circulating unconfirmed reports on social media, warning that misinformation could hamper rescue coordination.
Officials said they will continue to liaise with Nepali authorities and the Government of India as rescue and relief operations progress. The situation remains fluid, with the full scale of displacement and casualties yet to be determined.
Point of View
Activated helplines, embassy coordination — yet the structural gap between pilgrimage demand and safety infrastructure remains unaddressed. The fact that Rajasthan cannot yet confirm how many of its own residents are among the 133 missing speaks to the absence of a centralised travel registry for citizens visiting high-risk zones. Until departure data is systematically logged and shared with state disaster bodies, the response will always be reactive rather than preventive.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indians are missing in the Nepal floods?
At least 133 Indian nationals are reported missing or unreachable following floods and landslides in Nepal's Rasuwa district as of 27 August. Many are believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims and tourists travelling through the region.
What helpline numbers has Rajasthan set up for Nepal flood victims?
Rajasthan has activated toll-free numbers 1070 and 112, along with direct lines 0141-2851960, 0141-2385776, 0141-2385777, 0141-2227296, 0141-2927392, and 0141-2227603. The emergency IP number is 28888 and email queries can be sent to relief-rj@nic.in.
What information should families provide when calling the helpline?
Callers should furnish the missing person's full name, passport or identification details, last known location, and any available travel information. This helps authorities verify and prioritise cases more quickly.
Why is Rasuwa district particularly vulnerable to floods?
Rasuwa is a high-altitude district near the Nepal-Tibet border with narrow mountain roads and steep terrain, making it acutely prone to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season. It is also a key transit route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, drawing large numbers of Indian visitors each year.
Which agencies is Rajasthan coordinating with to trace missing Indians?
The Rajasthan State Emergency Operation Centre is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the Ministry of External Affairs, and local authorities in Nepal to trace stranded residents and facilitate rescue and evacuation.
