Number of Russian tourists missing in Nepal increased to eight after devastating floods

The number of Russian tourists who have lost contact with their relatives and authorities in Nepal has risen to eight following devastating floods that have caused widespread destruction across affected areas.

The Russian Embassy in Nepal has confirmed an increase in the number of Russian nationals who cannot be reached, according to TASS, citing Rinchin Rakshaev, Minister-Counsellor at the Russian diplomatic mission.

“The number of Russian tourists who have not been in contact following the floods in Nepal has reached eight,” Rakshaev said.

The embassy had previously reported that four Russian tourists were missing. The latest figure comes as rescue and emergency teams continue to assess the scale of the disaster and search for people who remain unaccounted for.

According to Nepal’s emergency authorities, the bodies of 165 people have been recovered in the affected areas. A further 644 people are currently reported missing or remain out of contact, with hundreds of foreigners believed to be among those affected.

Rescue operations are continuing in areas hit by the flooding, with access severely disrupted in some locations. So far, 29 foreign nationals have been evacuated by helicopter from flooded areas.

The authorities continue to search for missing people and evacuate those stranded by the disaster, while diplomatic missions are working to establish contact with their citizens and determine their whereabouts.

The situation remains fluid as emergency services continue recovery and rescue efforts across the affected regions.