Almost 4,000 people are still missing, including UK tourists, after catastrophic flash floods tore through villages on the Nepal-Tibet border last week.
Authorities in Nepal have now warned of possible fresh flooding, urging residents in already devastated districts to remain on high alert. The combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet has risen to over 1,000, authorities said on Tuesday.
The mountainous area is popular with hikers and trekkers from around the world as well as pilgrims who cross the Himalayas on journeys to sacred sites such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
As rescuers continue to search for survivors and drop off emergency supplies to isolated communities, the UK government says it will do “everything it can” to help British nationals affected by the flash flooding.
As the death toll is expected to rise, here is what to know about the safety of travel to Nepal and Tibet.
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What has happened?
On 26 August, major flooding in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and the border with Tibet devastated communities living in the mountainous region, with the death toll surpassing 1,000 on Tuesday.
There has been widespread destruction, with buildings, roads, other transport and communications infrastructure severely damaged.
Videos have shown water crashing through river banks, collapsing bridges, tearing through homes and other infrastructure in villages along the Bhote Koshi River.
Similar footage from the opposite side of the Nepal-Tibet border also showed people fleeing before a deluge of rock, mud and water engulfed the area.
How many tourists have been affected?
The latest update from the Nepal Tourism Board on 31 August says 583 tourists are still missing, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for the board, said: “We are coordinating with the relevant authorities for their search and rescue.”
Around 187 Indian tourists and 108 people from China have so far been rescued in the aftermath of the Bhote Koshi flood, said the tourism board.
As of Tuesday morning, 33 Britons, are still said to be missing.
What does the UK government say?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) warns that the situation in Nepal “may change rapidly”.
“If you are travelling in the region, follow the advice of the Nepalese government and local authorities and be alert to the changing situation. The Nepalese government has established a toll-free emergency Nepalese language number, 1234, and a dedicated hotline 1144 accessible in Nepal,” said the FCDO.
If you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call:
- from Nepal +977 (0)14237100
- from the UK +44 (0) 207 008 5000
The FCDO also advises British nationals in Nepal to sign up to get email notifications for updated information.
A family support centre has opened at the British Embassy Kathmandu for families and friends of British nationals affected by the recent flooding. If you are in the UK, but are concerned about someone in Nepal, the FCDO helpline for information is 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
The FCDO also warns of widespread damage in areas of Nepal, including Gorkha, Nuwakot and Dhading.
”The Nepalese authorities and emergency services are responding. The authorities have warned of the risk of further flooding,” it added.
Can I cancel and get money back on my holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Nepal, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
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