Karnataka's missing, stranded in Nepal-Tibet floods rise to 24; 4 safe
The number of persons from Karnataka reported missing or stranded in Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) following flash floods has risen to 24, according to the latest update from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Friday, August 28, 2026.
As of 11 a.m., the SEOC had collated details of 24 persons from Karnataka who are stranded or missing in the two affected regions. Of them, 20 are from Bengaluru Urban, two from Mysuru, and one each from Dharwad and Udupi. Most are reported to be in Timure in Nepal's Rasuwa district, while a few are in Darchen in the TAR.
The state government said four of the 24 persons have been confirmed safe, while efforts are under way to trace the remaining 20. The latest figures come amid continuing disruption caused by flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border and adjoining areas, which have resulted in loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and road connectivity.
The Karnataka government said it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian missions in Kathmandu and Beijing for the rescue, evacuation and safe return of those affected.
In a related development, Bengaluru-based food vlogger Kripal Amanna has appealed to authorities and the public for information about his brother-in-law, V.S. Balasubramanyam, who has been missing following the flash floods in Nepal. According to Mr. Amanna, Mr. Balasubramanyam, a U.S. citizen, was travelling with an Isha Foundation tour group to Kailash Mansarovar when the flash floods struck the region.
Mr. Amanna said Mr. Balasubramanyam was last traced near the Chinese Immigration Centre at Gyirong, on the Tibet border, on the morning of August 26. His family has not been able to establish contact with him since then.
“His last known phone location, confirmed to his family by Andhra Bhavan, New Delhi, was the Chinese Immigration Centre at Gyirong, Tibet, on the morning of August 26, when the devastating flash flood struck. His family has had no contact with him since, and his current status is unknown,” Mr. Amanna said.
He urged officials and concerned authorities to make efforts to ascertain Mr. Balasubramanyam’s whereabouts. On Thursday, the MEA said that a group associated with the Isha Foundation, comprising people of Indian origin and foreign nationals, remains uncontactable amid the Nepal flood crisis.
The flash floods in the region have caused significant disruption, affecting hundreds of pilgrims and tourists. The Karnataka government continues to monitor the situation and is in regular touch with the affected families, officials said.
