Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Missing After Deadly Nepal Floods

Kathmandu, Nepal — At least 160 people have been killed and hundreds of foreign nationals remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through parts of Nepal on Wednesday, prompting an urgent search for tourists, trekkers, workers and pilgrims caught in the disaster.

Official figures compiled by Nepalese authorities indicate that at least 341 foreign nationals are among those reported missing. A further 93 Nepali citizens are also unaccounted for, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

The disaster struck along major river valleys and tourist routes in northern Nepal, an area that attracts visitors from around the world because of its Himalayan trekking, mountaineering and pilgrimage destinations.

Indians Make Up Largest Group of Missing Foreigners

Citizens of neighbouring India account for the largest known group of missing foreign nationals.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 142 Indian nationals were reported missing. They were travelling in groups associated with Samrat Tours & Travels, Leaf Holiday and Himalayan Glacier.

The large number of Indian nationals affected reflects the importance of Nepal's northern routes as both tourist and pilgrimage corridors.

Ukraine Reports 53 Missing

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said Nepalese Tourist Police had informed it that 53 Ukrainian nationals were believed to be missing.

Among them was a group of 46 Ukrainian tourists with whom authorities had lost contact following the floods.

Officials in Kyiv said they were monitoring the situation and seeking further information about the whereabouts of their citizens.

Australia Confirms 34 Missing

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that 34 Australians were missing after the disaster.

“Our thoughts are with all those who will be concerned about their loved ones today,” Albanese said.

Australian authorities are working with Nepalese officials to establish the condition and location of those who remain unaccounted for.

Other Foreign Nationals Missing

The Nepal Tourism Board has also identified missing nationals from several other countries.

1. Malaysia: Seventeen Malaysians travelling with Fishtail Tours & Travels were reported missing. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry separately said its embassy in Kathmandu had received reports that contact had been lost with 11 Malaysian nationals believed to be in Rasuwa district.
2. United Kingdom: Twelve British citizens travelling with Alpine Eco Trek were unaccounted for.
3. South Korea: Nine South Korean hydropower workers were reported out of contact in Rasuwa district.
4. Japan: Five Japanese nationals were reported missing, prompting concern from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
5. South Africa: Four South Africans travelling with Alpine Eco Trek were reported missing.
6. United States: Three US citizens travelling with Fishtail Tours & Travels were unaccounted for.
7. Portugal: Two Portuguese nationals a man and a woman were reported missing.
8. Netherlands: One Dutch citizen travelling with the same company as the missing Australian nationals was also unaccounted for.

The figures remain subject to change as authorities verify reports and establish contact with people in areas where communications have been disrupted.

Italian Nationals Stranded

Italy's Foreign Ministry said two Italian citizens and their guide were stranded upstream from a landslide but were receiving assistance.

Italian authorities said they were aware of approximately 90 Italian citizens currently in Nepal and Tibet but had not determined whether others may have been affected by the floods.

The ministry said it was continuing to monitor developments.

Other Missing Foreigners Yet to Be Identified

Several tourism companies have also reported missing foreign nationals whose nationalities have not yet been confirmed.

The groups include 77 people associated with Trekkers Society, 26 with Kailash Journey and eight with Richa Tours & Travels.

Authorities are expected to update the figures as rescue teams gain access to affected areas and tourism agencies provide more detailed passenger information.

Search for Survivors Continues

The high number of missing foreign nationals has added urgency to Nepal's ongoing rescue operation.

Floodwaters and landslides have damaged roads and infrastructure, making several areas difficult to reach. Rescue teams are working to locate people who may have been stranded, while families and foreign governments wait for information about their relatives and citizens.

Nepal's Himalayan tourism industry attracts thousands of international visitors each year, including trekkers, climbers, pilgrims and adventure tourists. The latest disaster has therefore created concern well beyond Nepal's borders.

With at least 160 people confirmed dead and hundreds still missing, authorities face a race against time to reach isolated communities and determine the full scale of the tragedy.