Published Aug 27, 2026 | 10:34 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2026 | 2:33 PM
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.
Meanwhile, the Keralam government has identified around 53 people from the state stranded in the floods, including children. The government has stepped up efforts to locate them and initiate rescue operations.
The list was prepared by collating information received through the helplines operated by the Chief Minister’s Office, the Chief Secretary’s Office, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and NORKA Roots, according to NORKA Roots CEO Rajesh Madhavan.
According to the information available so far, some had travelled to Nepal with their families, while others were part of groups visiting the country for holidays, pilgrimage and trekking.
The initial assessment indicates that all 53 people are safe. However, direct contact with many of them has not yet been possible because of communication disruptions in flood-hit areas.
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 Ministry of Extrenal Affairs (MEA) and take steps to ensure the safe return of the Keralites. NORKA Roots’ Delhi NRK Development Office and the Kerala House Resident Commissioner’s Office are also in touch with the ministry. Officials are maintaining regular contact with the relatives of those in Nepal, gathering fresh information and updating the help desk accordingly.
According to NORKA Roots CEO Rajesh Madhavan, details collected from four different help desks have been shared with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. This includes the stranded individuals’ last location and updates regarding their movements.
Madhavan said they have not been able to establish direct contact with the stranded people, but had spoken to their respective families and friends. He said all information has been passed on to the Indian Embassy, which will coordinate rescue efforts on the ground.
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 to facilitate coordination of rescue, evacuation and other necessary assistance with the Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of India in Nepal and the Embassy of India in Beijing.
The government has also set up emergency helpline numbers: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117
People can also reach out to the government via mail through seockarnataka@gmail.com
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)
