Flash flood in Bhotekoshi River leaves 403 tourists, including 62 Nepalis, missing

KATHMANDU: A total of 403 tourists, including 341 foreign nationals and 62 Nepalis, have gone missing following a massive flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district.

The missing travellers, comprising 203 men and 200 women, were travelling to Gosainkunda and Kailash Mansarovar through various tour operators when the disaster occurred, according to Hikmat Singh Ayer, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Indian nationals represent the largest group of those missing, with 133 individuals unaccounted for. The missing foreign tourists also include 47 from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, 24 from Canada, 19 from Malaysia, seven from Ukraine, six each from Singapore and South Africa, and five each from New Zealand and Japan.

The NTB further reported that citizens from more than 25 other countries, including Germany, France, Russia, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, are also missing in the flood.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to settlements, police posts and customs offices in the Timure and Syafrubensi areas. Crucial roads and bridges connecting the Rasuwagadhi border crossing have also been severely damaged by the floodwaters.

The NTB stated that anyone requiring information or emergency assistance should contact the toll-free number 1234, hotline number 1144, or the tourism police on 9851289445.

(Updated)

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384 tourists, including 93 Nepalis, go missing after flash flood in Bhotekoshi River

KATHMANDU: A total of 384 tourists, including 93 Nepalis, have gone missing after a massive flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday morning, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said.

NTB Officiating Chief Executive Officer Hikmat Singh Ayer said contact was lost with the tourists. They were travelling to Gosainkunda and Kailash Mansarovar with various travel companies. Tourism police, local administrative personnel and security agencies have been deployed across the affected zones to check on the welfare of the missing individuals.

Data released by the NTB shows the missing include 92 tourists travelling with Trekker Society, 71 with Samrat Tours and Travel, 55 with Leaf Holiday, 52 with Himalayan Glacier, 31 with Kailash Journey, 27 with Fishtail Tours and Travel, 20 with Alpine Eco Trek, 17 with Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel, 12 with Richa Tours and Travel and seven with Explore Vacation.

The flood has caused major damage to settlements, police posts and a customs office in the Timure and Syafrubesi areas. Key roads and bridges linking to the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint have also been damaged by the floodwaters.

The NTB has asked anyone requiring information or assistance to contact its toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, or the tourism police directly on 9851289445.

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