Nepal flash floods: At least 288 Indians still missing; MEA says focus is on providing humanitarian aid as per Kathmandu’s request

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Members of rescue teams load aid onto an Indian Air Force plane for victims of deadly flash floods in Nepal, at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, on August 27, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters

At least 288 Indian nationals remain missing following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (August 27, 2026), adding that India’s focus is to provide humanitarian assistance “as requested by the Nepali side”.

The death toll on Thursday (August 27, 2026) rose to 270, as authorities in Nepal raced against time to find thousands of missing people.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing an official briefing, said the missing Indians included those working on hydropower projects and tourist groups. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu were rescued, he said.

Mr. Jaiswal said around 200 Indians in Tibet have also sought assistance from India.

Update on Indian nationals rescued in Nepal. 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have been rescued in Nepal. Details below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zOWUtB30A2

“There are 288 Indian nationals who remain unaccountable. These include 73 Indian nationals who are working on the Trishuli One Power Project. Our embassy in Kathmandu is in touch with the project head to get more details about these people,” Mr. Jaiswal said.

India will continue to extend all possible support to Nepal to deal with the situation arising out of the flash floods, he added. “India is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in this difficult time and we are ready to provide all assistance as per requirements of that country, he said.

Mr. Jaiswal said India’s focus remains on providing humanitarian assistance as requested by the Nepali side. He was responding to a question on whether India was considering a financial aid package for Nepal, similar to the $500 million package extended to Sri Lanka.

“As I told you, our Prime Minister spoke to the Nepali Prime Minister yesterday, during which we conveyed that we would do everything possible and provide all possible assistance from our side,” he said.

VIDEO | Delhi: Asked whether India was considering a financial aid package for Nepal, similar to the $500 million package extended to Sri Lanka, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal ( @MEAIndia ) says, "At this point, our focus has been on providing humanitarian assistance as requested… pic.twitter.com/okX8BnzQcu

The MEA Spokesperson said that India is working on mobilising Bailey bridges as part of the assistance being extended for relief and rescue operations in Nepal.

The Ministry has no information on any request over mobilisation of the NDRF and the Army’s Corps of Engineers to assist with rescue operations and the construction of temporary bridges in flood-hit regions of Nepal, Mr. Jaiswal said, in response to a media question.