261 tourists rescued from Bhotekoshi floods; 320 remain uncontacted

KATHMANDU: A total of 261 international tourists have been successfully rescued following severe flooding in Bhotekoshi River, Rasuwa district, which struck on Wednesday morning. However, authorities report that 320 tourists remain uncontacted as widespread search operations continue.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, alongside Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Tourist Police, and other industry stakeholders, have intensified search and rescue efforts across the affected areas.

The NTB confirmed that the rescues were completed by Saturday evening. Hikmat Singh Ayer, NTB Officiating Chief Executive Officer, noted that the affected individuals were travelling with various companies to Gosainkund and Kailash Mansarovar.

The rescued group comprises citizens from 16 different nations. This includes 167 tourists from India, 40 from China, eight from Ukraine, four each from Germany and Malta, three each from Italy and the United States, and two each from Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey. Furthermore, single tourists from Belgium, Bulgaria, Oman, and Portugal were brought to safety. An additional 21 rescued tourists currently have undisclosed nationalities and identities.

The NTB stressed that it is taking all possible measures to ensure the well-being of injured and stranded visitors. Urging the public to remain patient and cautious, the board stated, 'The safety of tourists is our top priority.' Anyone requiring assistance or possessing information is requested to contact the toll-free number 1234, the hotline 1144, or the tourism police at 9851289445.

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