Published Aug 27, 2026 | 10:34 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2026 | 11:03 AM
Experts have warned of a potential second flood event caused by the debris washed into the rivers.
Synopsis: Nepal’s devastating flash floods have killed more than 160 people, with hundreds still missing. Over 100 Indians, including nearly 37 tourists from Tamil Nadu, remain unaccounted for. 77 Isha Foundation pilgrims were also caught in the disaster. Authorities say a glacial collapse and debris flow triggered the floods.
The death toll from the devastating flash floods and mudslide in Nepal has risen to more than 160, while several hundred people remain missing. Among those unaccounted for are over 100 Indians, mostly tourists and pilgrims.
Nearly 37 tourists from Tamil Nadu are among those missing. They were part of a 57-member group, including women, that had travelled to Nepal with the help of a private agency based in Kumbakonam. The group had people from Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Hosur, Soolagiri and Namakkal.
A group of pilgrims who travelled with the Isha Foundation has also been reported missing.
In an X post, Isha founder Jaggi Vasudev (Sadhguru) said that a group of 77 pilgrims who were on the “Kailash yatra” were caught in the floods while they were at the immigration office, on their way back home. He said the building had gotten flooded and that there has been no official information on the whereabouts of any of the people who were at the immigration office.
The Keralam government have identified 48 people from the state stranded in the floods; among them, authorities have not been able to contact 14 people.
The CMO has received details of around 32 Malayalis after their relatives contacted the office through the helpline numbers seeking help. Officials have managed to speak to 18 of them, while they have not been able to contact 14 others.
NORKA Roots has also received details of around 20 Malayalis. This takes the total number of Malayalis identified by the state government to around 48. Most of them are tourists and pilgrims.
The central and state governments have set up emergency helplines to assist the stranded Indian nationals in Nepal.
The Tamil Nadu government has asked stranded Tamils and their families to contact 1800 309 3793, +91 80 6900 9900 (missed call), +91 80 6900 9901, or the Tamil Nadu House Control Room in New Delhi on 9289516712.
Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan has directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Centre and take steps to ensure the safe return of Malayalis stranded in Nepal. Help desks have been opened at the CMO and NORKA Roots, the CMO informed South First.
The details of Malayalis in the affected areas have been shared with the Indian Embassy, government sources said.
Many of those in the affected areas have informed their families that they are safe.
Family members can contact the help desks at 9447111844, 9747132147 and 18004253939 (toll-free) for assistance.
The Karnataka government has set up a State Emergency Operation Centre to gather information regarding those from the state stranded in Nepal. The department has shared a Google form where tour operators, families and those stranded can fill in their details. The government has also set up emergency helpline numbers: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117
The Telangana government has said it has established a control room to coordinate communication and rescue efforts for people from the state stranded in Nepal or affected by the floods. Emergency helpline numbers: 9885371189 (S Laxminarayana, Asst. Secretary to Govt.), 7997959754 (K Srinivas Reddy, Section Officer), 9440854433 (E Chittibabu, Section Officer).
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has contradicted its initial observation that the disastrous floods were triggered by an earthquake. The US agency said its analysis has indicated that a landslide preceded the floods and there was no earthquake.
“Additional analysis of nearby seismic stations, long-period seismic waves, and satellite imagery led to the determination that the seismic event was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow, and that no earthquake had occurred,” it said, reported BBC.
According to the BBC report, citing officials from Nepal’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, a massive chunk of ice may have collapsed from a mountain, pulling down rocks and other sediments with it, triggering the flash floods.
Meanwhile, experts have warned of a potential second flood event caused by the debris washed into the rivers.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
