In Brief:

• 384 travellers missing: 291 foreigners, 93 Nepalis
• 105 Indian nationals identified so far, plus 37 NRIs
• NTB says figures are preliminary and under verification
• Records being cross-checked with agencies, guides, authorities

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26 At least 105 Indian nationals and 37 non-resident Indians (NRIs) are among 384 tourists and travellers preliminarily reported missing following Wednesday morning's flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The NTB said the preliminary list comprises 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalis, but the whereabouts and safety status of those listed are still being verified. Officials cautioned that the number of Indian nationals could increase as travel agencies and authorities cross-check records. The 105 Indian nationals identified so far include 59 travelling through Samrat Tours & Travels and 46 through Leaf Holiday. The 37 NRIs are listed separately under Himalayan Glacier. The board said the figures were compiled from information received from tourism and travel agencies and are being verified in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies. Among the foreign nationals, Fishtail Tours & Travels reported 20 foreign travellers, including three from the United States and 17 from Malaysia. Himalayan Glacier reported 37 foreign travellers, while Alpine Eco Trek reported 16, including 12 from the UK and four from South Africa. Nationalities of several other foreign travellers have yet to be confirmed. The preliminary agency-wise records show 92 travellers associated with Trekkers Society, 71 with Samrat Tours & Travels, 55 with Leaf Holiday, 52 with Himalayan Glacier and 31 with Kailash Journey, among others. The flash flood occurred in the Bhote Koshi River at around 8:30 am on Wednesday. The Tourism Board, Tourist Police and tourism stakeholders are working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of those who were in or travelling through the affected areas.