Flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa region have killed 270 people and left more than 1,500 missing, according to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. Speaking at the NDTV World Anvixa Summit in Kathmandu on Thursday, he said powerful mud and water flows destroyed towns and villages within hours, leaving thousands of families homeless. Authorities are still working to assess the full scale of the damage.

Khanal said at least 300 Indian citizens are among those missing. Many had been using the Tibet-bound route for the Manasarovar pilgrimage. He added that Nepal has been unable to establish contact with at least 500 foreign nationals in total and is maintaining round-the-clock communication with embassies to address their safety and welfare.

The minister described the flooding as one of Nepal’s worst recent disasters. He said the immediate priorities are rescuing stranded people and delivering emergency relief, while thanking India for sending assistance. Khanal also sought global support for reconstruction and said much of Nepal remains safe for visitors, with Pokhara and the Mount Everest region open to tourists.