261 Tourists Rescued from Bhotekoshi Flood, 320 Still Uncontacted

Tourists from 16 countries among those rescued as authorities intensify search and rescue operations in flood-affected areas

A total of 261 tourists from different countries have been successfully rescued after being stranded by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi area of Rasuwa. According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the tourists were rescued by Saturday evening following the flood that struck the area on Wednesday morning.

Hikmat Singh Air, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, said tourists who had traveled to Gosainkunda and Kailash Mansarovar through various tourism companies were among those rescued.

The rescued tourists represent 16 different countries. The group includes 167 Indian nationals, 40 Chinese nationals, one 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, according to the Board.

Despite the progress in rescue operations, the situation remains concerning, with 320 tourists still out of contact due to the flood and disruption in communication and transportation in the affected areas.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other tourism stakeholders have intensified search, rescue and coordination efforts in the flood-affected areas. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate tourists who remain stranded or uncontacted and ensure their safe evacuation.

The Nepal Tourism Board said it is making every possible effort to ensure the safety and well-being of injured, stranded and affected tourists. The Board has emphasized that the safety of tourists remains its top priority amid the ongoing rescue operation.

For information and assistance regarding rescued, missing, injured, or stranded tourists, the authorities have requested the public to contact the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, or the Tourist Police at 9851289445.