Nepal UK
Photo: Reuters
Kathmandu, Nepal - The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi has confirmed that 26 Nepali citizens are missing after recent floods and landslides in India's Uttarakhand state. The embassy is in close contact with Indian authorities to monitor the search and rescue efforts.
Of those missing, 21 people were last seen in Dharali in the Uttarkashi district. This tragedy happened when a local river, swollen by heavy rains, swept through the small market town. The disaster is feared to have buried many people, including hotel workers and pilgrims.
In a separate incident in Bankura, located in the Pauri Garhwal district, five Nepalis have also been reported missing.
Relatives who travelled to the region to help with the search and rescue efforts have since returned home. After several days of searching, they have abandoned hope of finding any survivors.
Thousands of Nepalis, particularly from the Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, work in Uttarakhand. They are employed in construction projects, hotels, and agriculture. These seasonal workers often live in vulnerable hillside settlements that are at high risk of natural disasters.
A major concern for these migrant workers is their lack of formal work permits or insurance. This leaves their families with very little support when a tragedy like this strikes. The Nepali Embassy continues to coordinate with officials to track the missing and provide support to the affected families.
