Kathmandu— A major flood event in the Bhotekoshi region of Rasuwa district, Nepal, has left hundreds of tourists stranded since Wednesday morning, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. As of Saturday evening, 261 tourists from sixteen countries had been successfully rescued, but authorities are still attempting to locate 320 individuals who remain uncontacted. The Nepal Tourism Board, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourist Police, and other stakeholders, is leading the search and rescue efforts to ensure the safety of those affected.

International Tourists Affected

The flood impacted tourists traveling to Gosainkund and Kailash Mansarovar, popular pilgrimage destinations in Nepal. Rescued individuals represent a diverse range of nationalities, with 167 from India comprising the largest group. Other rescued tourists include 40 from China, as well as smaller numbers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Malta, Oman, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States. An additional 21 rescued individuals have yet to be identified by nationality.

Ongoing Search for Missing Tourists

Despite the successful rescue of hundreds, a significant number of tourists remain unaccounted for. Authorities report that 320 individuals are currently uncontacted, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. Hikmat Singh Air, the Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that “the safety of tourists is our top priority,” emphasizing the commitment to locating those still missing. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has mobilized resources alongside the Nepal Tourism Board and Tourist Police to intensify search operations in the affected areas.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining 320 uncontacted tourists and provide assistance to those injured or stranded by the flooding.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.