21 Tamil Nadu Pilgrims Rescued in Nepal as 288 Indians Remain Missing

Twenty-one Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been rescued in Nepal following devastating flash floods, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.

Despite the successful rescue of the group from Tamil Nadu, 288 Indian nationals remain missing across the flood-affected regions of the neighbouring country, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed.

The flash floods struck on Wednesday, wreaking havoc across three districts in Nepal. By Thursday, the overall death toll in Nepal had risen to 270, as rescue authorities in the country raced against time to locate thousands of people reported missing.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the missing Indian nationals include tourists as well as personnel employed at infrastructure sites. Among those unaccounted for are 73 Indian nationals who were working on the Trishuli One Power Project.

"There are 288 Indian nationals who remain unaccountable. These include 73 Indian nationals who are working on the Trishuli One Power Project. Our embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to get more details about these people," Jaiswal said.

In addition to the developments in Nepal, approximately 200 Indians located in Tibet have also sought assistance from the Indian government, the spokesperson noted.

Jaiswal reiterated India's commitment to supporting Nepal through the relief and rescue efforts following the disaster.

"India is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in this difficult time and we are ready to provide all assistance as per requirements of that country," Jaiswal said, adding that India will continue extending all possible support to address the situation arising from the flash floods.