Kathmandu, 30 August (H.S.): As many as 546 people have been reported missing following severe flooding in Kerung in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Of those reported missing, 261 are foreign nationals from 23 countries. Nepali nationals account for the largest number among the missing foreign citizens, with 104 Nepalis and 49 Indians still unaccounted for, according to Chinese authorities.

According to figures released by CCTV, the number of missing foreign nationals is as follows:

Nepal: 104

India: 49

Latvia: 33

United States: 18

United Kingdom: 15

Canada and Australia: 6 each

South Africa: 4

Malaysia, Germany and Russia: 3 each

France, New Zealand, Estonia and Ireland: 2 each

Finland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Portugal, Ukraine, Spain and Hungary: 1 each

Chinese authorities have formally informed the respective embassies and consular authorities of the countries concerned about their missing nationals.

According to the state broadcaster, the figures were compiled following a joint investigation and coordination effort involving several Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The large number of foreign nationals among those reported missing has prompted authorities to coordinate with diplomatic missions and consular services to identify and locate the missing individuals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar