A total of 261 tourists from different countries have been successfully rescued from areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the tourists were rescued by Saturday evening after being stranded by the flood that struck the area on Wednesday morning.
According to Hikmat Singh Air, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, the rescued travelers had traveled to Gosaikunda and Kailash Mansarovar through various tourism companies. Rescue operations have been carried out in the flood-affected areas to bring stranded visitors to safety.
Tourists from 16 countries rescued
The 261 rescued tourists include nationals from 16 different countries, with Indian nationals making up the largest group. The details provided by the Nepal Tourism Board show that 167 Indian tourists and 40 Chinese tourists have been rescued.
The rescued group also includes one tourist each from Belgium and Bulgaria, four from Germany, three from Italy, four from Malta, one from Oman, one from Portugal, two from Russia, two from Spain, two from Switzerland, two from Turkey, eight from Ukraine, and three from the United States. In addition, 21 tourists whose nationalities and identities have not yet been disclosed have also been rescued.
320 tourists remain uncontacted
Despite the successful rescue of 261 visitors, the situation remains concerning, with 320 tourists currently uncontacted following the flood. Authorities are continuing efforts to establish communication and determine the whereabouts and condition of those who remain stranded or out of contact. The flood has severely affected transportation and communication infrastructure in parts of Rasuwa, making access to some areas difficult and complicating ongoing search and rescue operations.
Search and rescue operations intensified
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other tourism-sector stakeholders, has intensified search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities and tourism agencies are working to locate tourists who remain stranded, establish communication with those who are uncontacted, and provide necessary assistance to injured and affected travelers.
The Nepal Tourism Board has stated that every possible effort is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors affected by the disaster. The Board has also urged the public, families, and concerned parties to remain patient and cautious while rescue and verification operations continue. “The safety of tourists is our top priority,” the Nepal Tourism Board emphasized.
Helplines available for information and assistance
The Nepal Tourism Board has requested anyone seeking information about rescued, missing, or affected visitors to contact the designated emergency channels. Assistance and information can be obtained through the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, or the Tourist Police at 9851289445. As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are prioritizing the safe evacuation of stranded visitors and the identification and establishment of contact with those who remain unaccounted for.
