India releases helplines for citizens caught in Nepal flash floods

India has provided emergency hotlines for its citizens who may be stranded or affected by violent flash floods in Nepal that have claimed at least eight lives and left hundreds missing, with over 100 of them feared to be Indian.

The flash floods hit the Rasuwa district bordering Tibet on Wednesday following a sudden rise in the Bhote Koshi River. They inundated several villages, washed away roads and bridges and caused damage to hydropower facilities, as efforts to reach marooned individuals were made difficult by the elevated water levels and terrain.

At least 105 Indian citizens were among the 384 travellers reported missing, the Nepal Tourism Board said on Thursday night, of whom 291 were foreign nationals.

“In connection with the flash floods in Nepal, Indian nationals requiring emergency assistance are advised to contact the Embassy of India in Kathmandu at +977-980 860 2881 and +977-981 032 6134. Both numbers are also on WhatsApp,” the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said. The embassy had issued similar numbers for emergency situations in Nepal in the past.

Nepal deployed security forces and carried out aerial searches by helicopters in its desperate bid to rescue people trapped in its mountainous terrain. Officials also issued advisories for the river basins of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani.