Kathmandu, Aug 2026 : Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said nearly 300 Indian nationals, most of them pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have been reported missing following devastating flash floods in the Himalayan nation.
Speaking with one of the news channel Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, Khanal said the disaster had caused widespread destruction in the Rasuwa region, with towns and communities being severely affected within hours. He said thousands of people had either lost their homes or remained unaccounted for as rescue teams continued efforts to determine the full scale of the tragedy.
“Foreign nationals, including Indians, take the route in the affected area to the Mansarovar Yatra. Close to 300 Indians have been reported missing and the government is trying to establish contact with them,” Khanal said.
The minister initially referred to a death toll of 160, while the official number has since risen to 177. He said thousands of people were still untraced, underlining the enormous challenges facing rescue and relief agencies working in the affected areas.
Khanal said around 500 foreign nationals in total were currently out of contact following the flash floods. The Nepal government was maintaining communication with the embassies of different countries to coordinate efforts to establish the whereabouts and safety of foreign nationals.
The Rasuwa region, located along routes used by pilgrims travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar area, was among the worst affected by the disaster. The sudden floods caused extensive damage to settlements and infrastructure, while rescue operations have been complicated by difficult terrain and disrupted connectivity.
Describing the flooding as one of the worst disasters Nepal has experienced in recent times, Khanal thanked India for its prompt assistance in the rescue and relief operations.
“Right now the focus is on rescue and immediate relief. Many from across the globe are supporting and empathising with Nepal. Government of India has already sent relief. We express gratitude,” he said.
The minister appealed to the international community to continue supporting Nepal as the country responds to the immediate crisis and prepares for reconstruction. He stressed that tourism would play a crucial role in helping the economy recover from the impact of the disaster.
Khanal also sought to reassure international travellers that large parts of Nepal remained unaffected by the floods and that several major tourist destinations continued to be open.
He specifically mentioned Pokhara and the Mount Everest region, saying these areas remained accessible and safe for tourists. He urged travellers not to abandon plans to visit Nepal, arguing that tourism spending would provide important economic support during the recovery period.
“Beyond immediate relief, it is important that the world remain connected with Nepal and help us rebuild. Tourism is critical to our rebuilding efforts,” Khanal said.
The minister said Nepal had faced major disasters in the past and had demonstrated its ability to recover and rebuild. Referring to the devastating 2015 earthquake, he expressed confidence that the country would once again overcome the crisis.
“We have emerged stronger after past tragedies, most recently the big 2015 earthquake. Nepal will rebuild itself again,” Khanal said.
As rescue operations continue, authorities remain focused on locating missing people, assisting affected communities and coordinating with foreign governments over the safety of nationals who remain unaccounted for.
