Nepal Flash Floods: MEA Issues Emergency Helplines Number
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued emergency helpline numbers and said the Embassy of India in Kathmandu is coordinating with Nepalese authorities for the rescue and relief of affected Indian nationals.
At least 133 Indian nationals are among hundreds of people reported missing after a devastating flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to step up efforts to locate Indian citizens and assist their families. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued two emergency helpline numbers for those seeking information or assistance, TOI reported.
The disaster struck the Bhote Koshi River area on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, although difficult weather, damaged roads and high river levels have complicated access to several affected areas. Nepal Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 160 As 761 People Remain Missing.
MEA Issues Emergency Helplines Number After Flash Floods in Nepal
Attention please
Embassy of India, Nepal has set up emergency helpline numbers for information on Indian nationals impacted by it. https://t.co/YevW7BFA86
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 26, 2026
MEA Issues Emergency Helpline Numbers
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has established emergency contacts for Indian nationals affected by the floods and for families trying to trace missing relatives.
Those seeking assistance can contact the embassy at:
- +977 985 131 6807
- +977 970 910 7500
The helplines are intended to provide information and assistance concerning Indian nationals affected by the disaster. The MEA is coordinating with Nepalese authorities as efforts continue to establish the whereabouts of missing Indian citizens. Nepal Flash Floods: 47 Glacial Lakes Pose Glacial Outburst Threat Across Major River Corridors.
133 Indians Among Those Missing
According to figures cited by Nepalese authorities and reported by The Times of India, 844 people have been reported missing, including 466 foreign nationals and 113 Nepali citizens. At least 133 of the missing are Indian nationals.
Other foreign nationals reported missing include citizens of Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The number of missing people has been revised as authorities collect information from tourism operators, security agencies and families. Consequently, figures may change as rescue teams reach more affected areas and missing persons are accounted for.
Death Toll Rises as Search Operations Continue
Nepal Police has reported 157 deaths from the disaster, while Chinese authorities have reported three deaths in Tibet, taking the combined toll to at least 160. Hundreds remain unaccounted for on both sides of the border.
Rescue teams are searching affected areas while dealing with washed-out roads, damaged bridges, power disruptions and difficult Himalayan terrain. Helicopters and security personnel have been deployed as authorities attempt to reach isolated communities.
Many Missing Were Travelling in the Himalayan Region
Several of those reported missing were tourists and pilgrims travelling through the region, including people heading towards the Kailash Mansarovar area.
The affected part of Nepal is an important route for travellers crossing between Nepal and Tibet. The sudden flooding therefore affected both local communities and large numbers of visitors who were in the area when the disaster struck.
What Triggered the Flood?
The precise sequence of events is still being examined. Initial assessments indicate that a major landslide or ice-and-rock avalanche in the Himalayan region sent a huge volume of material into the river system, producing a destructive surge downstream. Reuters reported that a likely glacial collapse may have contributed to the event.
The incident has also renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to sudden floods, landslides and other hazards linked to changing mountain conditions.
India Steps Up Assistance
India has been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Nepal as rescue operations continue. India has also begun providing relief assistance to Nepal following the disaster.
For families in India, locating missing relatives remains the immediate priority. Authorities have advised those seeking information to use the official embassy helplines and government channels as rescue and identification efforts continue.
With the situation still developing, casualty and missing-person figures are expected to be updated as teams gain access to affected areas.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 07:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
