Search and rescue teams are checking agency records as authorities try to trace foreign and Nepali travellers missing after the Bhotekoshi River flood.
A severe flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district left 384 domestic and foreign tourists and trekkers unaccounted for on Wednesday morning, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
The board’s second situation report, issued on Wednesday, said 291 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali tourists and trekkers were missing following the flood.
The foreign nationals unaccounted for are from India, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The nationalities of some others have yet to be confirmed.
Information provided by tourism agencies showed that the largest group of missing tourists had travelled through Trekkers Society. A total of 92 people linked to the agency, including 77 foreigners and 15 Nepalis, were reported unaccounted for.
Samrat Tours and Travels reported 71 people missing, comprising 59 Indians and 12 Nepalis.
Leaf Holidays said 55 people were missing, including 46 Indians and nine Nepalis, while 52 people associated with Himalayan Glacier, including 37 foreigners and 15 Nepalis, remained unaccounted for.
The tourism board said 31 people associated with Kailash Journey were also missing, along with 27 linked to Fishtail Tours and Travels, 20 with Alpine Eco Trek, 17 with Kathmandu Holidays and 12 with Richa Tours and Travels.
Seven Nepali tourists travelling through Explore Vacation were also unaccounted for.
The Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police, local administration, trekking guides and security agencies are verifying records of missing tourists and intensifying search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
Source: Republica
