Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Nepal Flash Flood Leaves 36 Bengal Pilgrims Missing After Rasuwagadhi
A group of pilgrims from West Bengal was traveling through Nepal toward Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.
A sudden flood hit near Rasuwagadhi, close to the Nepal-Tibet border.
The flood destroyed a bridge and communication with many travelers stopped.
Officials say 36 people from West Bengal are missing.
The Nepal Tourism Board says 178 Indians are missing in total.
Some people may have reached an immigration office or an army camp, but their families do not know their exact status.
West Bengal has opened a control room and a helpline for worried relatives.
The Indian government is also collecting lists of missing people to help coordinate the search.
Actor Kharaj Mukherjee, who was stranded elsewhere in Nepal, was reported safe.
West Bengal confirmed that 36 residents from Kolkata and several districts are missing after floods in Nepal.
Most of the missing people were part of a Cholo Jai Travel pilgrimage group, including two agency staff members.
The 30 tourists and two tour managers lost contact after a flash flood destroyed a bridge near Rasuwagadhi on Wednesday morning.
The Nepal Tourism Board reported that 178 Indians remained missing overall after the disaster.
West Bengal, the Centre, Nepalese authorities and India’s Embassy in Kathmandu are coordinating rescue and information efforts.
- Who
- At least 36 people from West Bengal are missing, mostly members of a Cholo Jai Travel pilgrimage group; the Nepal Tourism Board reported 178 missing Indians overall.
- What
- A flash flood destroyed a bridge near Rasuwagadhi and cut contact with travelers heading toward the Tibet border.
- When
- The flood struck on Wednesday, August 26, at about 8:35 a.m. IST; contact with the group was lost by about 10:30 a.m.
- Where
- The incident occurred near Rasuwagadhi on the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Why
- The flood destroyed infrastructure and disrupted travel and communications, prompting rescue and verification efforts.
Official Information
Families’ Concerns
Number and status of missing people
Official Information
The West Bengal government confirmed that 36 people from the state are missing, while the Nepal Tourism Board reported 178 missing Indians overall. Officials said verification was continuing.
Families’ Concerns
Families said they were receiving incomplete information and remained unable to establish contact with relatives after the flood.
Possible location of travelers
Official Information
Reports cited in the coverage suggested that some travelers may have reached a Chinese immigration office or an army camp after the office was closed.
Families’ Concerns
Relatives said they needed direct confirmation from authorities because they did not know whether the missing travelers had safely crossed the border.
Response to the disaster
Official Information
West Bengal, the Centre, Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said they were coordinating lists, assistance and rescue efforts.
Families’ Concerns
Families of some missing travelers began traveling to Kathmandu themselves to seek first-hand information.
- West Bengal missing
- 36 people from Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal
- Indians missing overall
- 178, according to the Nepal Tourism Board
- Travel operator
- Kolkata-based Cholo Jai Travel
- Tour group
- 30 tourists and two tour managers
- Tour package
- A 12-day Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage
- Helpline
- Kolkata Police toll-free number: 1800-345-5678
- Government response
- West Bengal and the Centre are coordinating with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu
