At Least Four Russian Citizens Out of Contact in Rasuwa Disaster, Eight Others Moved to Safety

Dragon Media Correspondent

At least four Russian citizens who were in the disaster-affected area of Rasuwa have lost contact following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems, according to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal.

The Embassy said the information available to it had changed from its earlier assessment and that it was currently unable to establish contact with at least four Russian nationals who had been in the disaster zone.

Meanwhile, another group of eight Russian citizens who had been staying in Dhunche, the administrative headquarters of Rasuwa district, has safely moved to another settlement, the Embassy said.

Search and rescue operations are continuing throughout the affected region, although adverse weather conditions and disruptions to telecommunications are making rescue work and efforts to establish contact more difficult.

The Russian Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with Nepali authorities. It has also strongly advised Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to affected and high-risk areas in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.

According to the Embassy, the situation remains particularly dangerous in Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syafrubesi.

Water levels in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers rose suddenly on Wednesday morning, with a powerful flood flow entering the river system from the Tibetan side. The disaster has damaged settlements and hydropower infrastructure along the river corridors and has also caused fatalities.

Because of the flood and continuing safety risks, several major road sections have been closed, including Kathmandu-Nagdhunga, Nagdhunga-Dhading, Galchhi-Trishuli, Dhading-Mugling and Mugling-Narayanghat, as well as the Narayani Bridge area in Narayanghat.

Tourists in the affected areas have been advised to stay away from rivers, riverbanks, bridges and low-lying areas, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions issued by local authorities, security agencies and the Tourist Police.

They have also been urged to remain in regular contact with hotels, trekking agencies, guides and local tourism operators, and to verify road conditions before undertaking any journey.

The Embassy specifically warned people not to attempt to cross flooded roads, streams or rivers under any circumstances. Anyone instructed by local authorities to evacuate should immediately move to higher and safer ground.

For emergency search and rescue assistance or other urgent support, people can contact the 24-hour toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144, or the Tourist Police at 9851289445.

Russian citizens in Nepal can also contact the Russian Embassy’s emergency number at +977 9801047187.