Nearly 300 Indian tourists are among hundreds of people reported missing after devastating flash floods struck parts of Nepal near the Tibet border, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.

The floods, which struck on Wednesday, affected three districts and caused widespread destruction in the Rasuwa region. Khanal said 160 people had been confirmed dead, while thousands remained unaccounted for as rescue and relief operations continued.

“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster,” Khanal said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said 826 people had been out of contact following the disaster. The death toll has since climbed to 165.

The flash floods occurred after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The resulting surge first struck Timure, near the Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and China.

At least 50 Indian nationals among those affected were reportedly pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Indian Embassy issues emergency numbers

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu issued emergency contact numbers on Wednesday for Indian nationals affected by the floods.

Those seeking assistance can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.

The embassy said it was coordinating with the Nepalese authorities to facilitate the rescue and relief of Indian nationals caught in the disaster. It added that rescue and relief operations were being strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.

The Nepal Tourism Board has also released emergency contacts, including the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, and Tourist Police number 9851289445.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Beijing has issued 0086 185 1428 4905, which is also available on WhatsApp, for assistance to Indians affected in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Karnataka seeks details of stranded citizens

The Karnataka government has sought information on residents of the state who may be stranded in Nepal or the Tibet Autonomous Region following the floods and disruptions along the border.

The Revenue Department’s Secretariat of Disaster Management said it was collecting details of stranded people to facilitate rescue, evacuation and other assistance.

Stranded persons, their relatives and tour operators have been asked to submit information through a Google Form so that the state government can coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Nepal and the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

People seeking assistance in Karnataka can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at 1070 or 080-22253707.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge separately shared the Indian Embassy’s emergency numbers for nationals affected by the floods in Nepal. The numbers are +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117. The numbers are also available on WhatsApp.

Indian nationals requiring assistance have been urged to contact the authorities at the earliest.

The Google Form seeking details of stranded Karnataka residents was issued under the signature of Manoj Kumar Meena, IAS, Relief Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue (Disaster Management), Government of Karnataka.