288 Indians unaccounted for in Nepal floods as death toll reaches 270

The Indian government confirmed 288 nationals remain unaccounted for after flash floods ravaged Nepal, with the death toll climbing to 270 on Thursday as rescue operations continued across the Himalayan nation.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters the missing include 73 workers from the Trishuli One Power Project and members of tourist groups, while 21 Indians from Tamil Nadu have been successfully rescued. The Indian embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with project authorities to trace the hydropower workers, he added.

Humanitarian assistance takes priority

Asked whether India would offer a financial aid package similar to the $500 million extended to Sri Lanka, Jaiswal said Delhi's immediate focus remains on providing humanitarian assistance "as requested by the Nepali side". Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepali counterpart on Wednesday, assuring all possible support from India, the spokesperson said.

India is working to mobilise Bailey bridges, portable, prefabricated structures used to reconnect flood-separated regions, as part of relief operations. However, the ministry has received no formal request to deploy the National Disaster Response Force or the Army Corps of Engineers for rescue work or temporary bridge construction in affected areas.

Indians in Tibet seek help

Separately, around 200 Indian nationals stranded in Tibet have also sought assistance from Indian authorities, Jaiswal disclosed. The foreign ministry provided no further details on their situation or rescue plans.

"India is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in this difficult time and we are ready to provide all assistance as per requirements of that country," Jaiswal said, underscoring Delhi's commitment to support Kathmandu through the crisis.

Source: The Hindu