KATHMANDU, Aug 27: Preliminary details show that 644 tourists have gone missing in areas affected by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the missing include 127 Nepali nationals and 517 foreign tourists. Following the floods that struck the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other tourism-sector stakeholders have been working to assess the whereabouts and safety of tourists in the affected areas.
According to the board's data as of noon Thursday, tourists from 33 countries have been reported missing. Excluding Nepali nationals, the highest number are from India, with 178 missing, followed by 65 from the United States, 53 from Ukraine, 51 from Malaysia, 35 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom and 25 from Canada.
644 foreign nationals among 2,381 people missing so far in Bhot...
Similarly, eight tourists each from Germany and Russia, six each from Latvia and South Africa, five each from Japan and New Zealand, four from France, and three each from Belgium and Spain have been reported missing.
Two tourists each from Italy and Ireland, and one each from Belarus, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden and Switzerland are also missing. The board said nine tourists from Singapore have been reported missing.
The board said the 644 tourists were identified as missing from the affected areas based on preliminary information received from trekking and travel companies. Their details are being verified and updated in coordination with the concerned travel agencies, guides, local administrations and security agencies.
Tourists can contact the toll-free number 1234 or hotline 1144 in case of an emergency. Tourist Police can be reached at 9851289445.
The board has urged tourists in the affected areas to contact the nearest police or security agency, local administration, travel agency, guide or tour operator. It has also advised them to remain calm, follow official information and comply with safety instructions.
