Express in Nepal: Toll nears 600; MEA says 320 Indians, 100 of Indian origin missing

Two days after deadly flash floods devastated several districts of Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that at least 320 Indians and over 100 people of Indian origin were missing, raising the total death toll to 579. The flood situation remains dire as search and rescue operations continue amid fears of another flood following increased water levels in the Bhotekoshi River area. Around 1,924 people, including 517 foreign tourists, are still unaccounted for.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that roughly 400 Indian nationals stranded on the Chinese side of the Sino-Nepal border were safe. Of those stranded on the Chinese side, 149 had already crossed over to Nepal. India dispatched a third shipment of 10 tonnes of relief supplies, along with a team of 11 doctors and paramedics, as well as a reconnaissance crew to evaluate tunnel rescue efforts.

The government pledged continued support for Nepal's relief and rescue operations. Security personnel warned of a potential second flood due to the high risk of another barrier lake breach in the higher regions. China issued a Level-IV alert, noting the formation of a large barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, which could lead to further flooding.