KATHMANDU: At least 384 tourists and travellers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens, have been reported missing following a sudden flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, according to a preliminary situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

The NTB said it was working with Tourist Police, travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies to verify the whereabouts and safety of those who were in or travelling through the affected areas.

The flash flood entered Nepal from the Tibetan side through the Bhote Koshi at around 8:30 am, causing extensive damage in the Timure and Syabrubesi areas and raising concerns along the downstream Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors.

Of the 384 people listed in the preliminary agency-wise record, 291 are foreign nationals and 93 are Nepali citizens. The NTB stressed that the figures were preliminary and were being cross-checked with travel agencies and other authorities.

The missing travellers are associated with nine travel agencies. Trekkers Society has reported the largest number, with 92 travellers, including 77 foreign nationals and 15 Nepalis. Samrat Tours & Travels has 71 travellers listed, including 59 Indians and 12 Nepalis, while Leaf Holiday has 55, including 46 Indians and nine Nepalis.

Other agencies include Himalayan Glacier, with 52 travellers; Kailash Journey, 31; Fishtail Tours & Travels, 27; Alpine Eco Trek, 20; Kathmandu Holiday Tours & Travels, 17; Richa Tours & Travels, 12; and Explore Vacation, seven.

The NTB had earlier urged tourists and travellers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and other areas along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor to remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary movement.

It advised visitors to stay away from rivers, riverbanks, bridges and low-lying areas, follow instructions from authorities and Tourist Police, check road conditions before travelling and never attempt to cross flooded roads, streams or rivers.

Tourists planning to visit the affected areas have also been advised to postpone their travel until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.

Several major transport routes have been affected or placed under heightened caution, including the Prithvi Highway, Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road and Muglin–Narayangadh road. Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police have halted vehicles travelling from Kathmandu towards Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan as a precaution.

The flood has also swept through settlements and infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi corridor. Three unidentified bodies have been recovered along the Trishuli River—two from Simchaur and one from Kolputar—while five people rescued from the flood have been taken to Chakradev Hospital in Bidur.

A bus carrying 38 pilgrims travelling from Palungtar in Gorkha to Gosainkunda has also gone out of contact. Police said 34 passengers remain unaccounted for, while four managed to escape from the bus and make contact. Two minibuses travelling with the group, carrying 26 passengers, remain in contact with authorities.

Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and local residents have been mobilised for the search and rescue operation. Fourteen helicopters—six operated by the Nepal Army and eight privately operated—have been deployed for rescue, relief and medical evacuation. Drones and trained sniffer dogs are also being used to search affected areas.

The flood has raised particular concern for Gosainkunda, a major pilgrimage and trekking destination at an altitude of about 4,380 metres, where the annual Janai Purnima pilgrimage is drawing large numbers of visitors. The Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal has deployed a medical team to operate its temporary health camp at Gosainkunda and assist travellers as required.

The continuing risk downstream has complicated rescue efforts. Authorities have warned that a lake formed after the Lende Khola was blocked on the Tibetan side has not completely drained, and the risk along the Bhote Koshi and lower Trishuli rivers could persist until the blockage is cleared.

The NTB has urged tourists to rely on verified information from government agencies, security authorities, Tourist Police, travel companies and responsible tourism operators rather than unverified reports circulating on social media.

For emergency assistance, authorities have provided toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.