Rasuwa Floods: 261 Foreign Tourists Rescued, 320 Still Out of Contact

Following the devastating flash floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts on August 26, authorities have continued search, rescue, evacuation and assistance operations for foreign nationals and tourists affected by the disaster.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 261 foreign nationals/tourists have been rescued, while 320 remain out of communication as of 6 p.m. on August 29. The figures are based on information from the Tourist Police and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Among those rescued, 167 are from India and 40 from China. Other rescued foreign nationals include eight from Ukraine, four each from Germany and Malta, three from the United States, and two each from Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy. One national each from Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal and Oman has also been rescued, while 21 rescued individuals remain unidentified.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and other concerned stakeholders are coordinating with government agencies, security authorities and local administrations to establish the whereabouts and safety of affected foreign nationals and tourists.

The NTB said the Kathmandu-Mugling road section, including the Prithvi Highway-Benighat-Galchi-Baireni stretch, is partially operational, allowing normal movement along the one-way route.

Road networks across most other parts of the country remain operational, except for several sections affected by the floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.

Tourists have been advised to check the latest road and weather conditions before travelling, particularly toward the affected districts, and to follow guidance from local authorities and security agencies.

For emergency assistance: Nepal Tourism Board – 1234 | Government Emergency Hotline – 1144 | Tourist Police – 9851289445