The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a 24×7 special control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the missing Indians included workers engaged in hydropower projects as well as members of tourist groups. Of those unaccounted for, 73 Indian nationals were working on the Trishuli One Power Project, he said.
“Our embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to get more details about these people,” Jaiswal said.
He added that 21 Indians from Tamil Nadu had been rescued, while around 200 Indian nationals in Tibet had also sought assistance from Indian authorities.
Flash floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday wreaked havoc across three districts, causing widespread destruction and disrupting communication and rescue operations.
Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring the situation and would continue to extend all possible assistance to Nepal.
“India is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in this difficult time and we are ready to provide all assistance as per the requirements of that country,” he said.
The MEA’s 24×7 Control Room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 and +91 11 2308 8719. Indian nationals can also contact the ministry through WhatsApp calls or messages at +91 9968291988 or by email at situationroom@mea.gov.in.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers, which can be reached through WhatsApp: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117.
Nepali authorities have also issued several emergency helpline numbers for those seeking assistance. The Tourist Police can be contacted at +977 9851289445, while the Nepal Army helpline is +977 9851072914. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) can be reached at +977 9851320269 and +977 9849281097. In Rasuwa, the police helpline is +977 9851254960 and the Assistant Chief District Officer can be contacted at +977 9851164422. Nuwakot Police can be reached at +977 9851282380, while the Assistant Chief District Officer, Nuwakot, is available at +977 9851248777. Dhading Police can be contacted at +977 9851229860 and the Chief District Officer, Dhading, at +977 9851247777. Chitwan Police can be reached at +977 9855013999, while the Assistant Chief District Officer, Chitwan, can be contacted at +977 9855088891.
(With PTI Inputs)
