KATHMANDU: A total of 184 tourists have been rescued following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, while authorities continue efforts to establish contact with hundreds of other travellers, according to the latest situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
As of 1:30 pm on August 29, NTB said three tourists were in contact with authorities, while 420 remained out of communication. The figures were provided by the Tourist Police and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The floods, which struck parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha on August 26, disrupted travel and left tourists and other travellers stranded in affected areas. Search, rescue, evacuation and assistance operations are continuing for those who remain stranded, injured or otherwise affected.
A separate NTB record lists 187 foreign tourists as rescued or in communication, including 114 Indians, 27 Chinese nationals and 20 South Koreans. Other tourists listed are from Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Malta, Oman, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States. The difference between the figures appears to reflect three tourists listed as being in communication rather than rescued.
NTB said it is also coordinating with diplomatic missions to help locate foreign nationals whose whereabouts have not yet been confirmed. Representatives linked to Singapore and New Zealand have approached the board seeking assistance in tracing their citizens.
Meanwhile, the Kathmandu–Mugling road section is fully operational, allowing normal traffic movement. NTB said most road networks across the country are operating normally, except for some sections affected by flooding in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.
Travellers have been advised to check the latest road and weather conditions before starting their journeys, particularly when travelling to or through flood-affected districts, and to follow instructions from local authorities and security agencies.
For emergency assistance, NTB has listed its toll-free number 1234, the government emergency hotline 1144, and Tourist Police at 9851289445.
