KATHMANDU: As many as 644 tourists and passengers have been left out of contact following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha at around 8:30 am on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, tourist police and tourism stakeholders are working to identify the condition of tourists and passengers in the affected areas.

According to the preliminary information received from the tourism and trekking companies, 127 Nepalis and 517 foreign nationals have gone missing. According to the ministry, verification and cross-checking of details is being done in coordination with the concerned travel and trekking companies, guides, local administration, security agencies and other stakeholders.

According to the data, 178 people from India, 65 from the US, 53 from Ukraine, 51 from Malaysia, 35 from Australia, 33 from the UK, 25 from Canada, 8 each from Germany and Russia and 6 from Latvia are also on the list. 5 people each from Japan and New Zealand and 4 from France are also on the list.

The Ministry said although the river banks of four districts adjoining the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers had suffered a big loss, other areas were not affected.

For emergency assistance, they are requested to contact the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and tourist police at 9851289445. Affected people and relatives are requested to get in touch with the nearest police or security agency, local administration, travel agency, guide or tour operator.

The government has urged everyone to remain calm, follow only official information and follow the instructions of the security agencies. The ministry has said that the safety of tourists is the first priority.