Why Are There So Many Foreigners Among Missing in Nepal's Major Flood? "Hindu Pilgrimage Sites and Trekking Gateways"

Amid massive floods in Nepal, it has been found that a significant number of the missing are foreign nationals.

Regional characteristics appear to have amplified the casualties among foreigners, as the affected areas are close to sacred sites visited by Hindu pilgrims and are famous tourist destinations that draw hikers from around the world.

According to AFP, citing the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism on the 27th local time, 468 tourists are missing due to floods and landslides that occurred the previous day in the central-northern Bagmati Province.

Among the missing, 393 are foreign nationals.

The Nepalese Ministry of Tourism stated in an earlier tally that at least 133 of the missing are Indian nationals who were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred Hindu site.

In addition, dozens of Americans, Australians, British, and Canadians are also reported missing.

The Nepalese Ministry of Tourism stated that at least 62 Nepalese people trekking near a lake in the Rasuwa district of Bagmati Province are also missing, coinciding with Janai Purnima, a traditional Nepalese festival coming up on the 28th.

CNN reported, compiling announcements by country on the status of the missing, that in addition to citizens from India, the United States, and Australia, 9 South Koreans as well as nationals from Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia, and Belgium are among the missing.

Nepal is currently experiencing the monsoon season, making it a somewhat less suitable period for climbing.

However, the Kailash trek following the route in the Rasuwa district is in peak season, according to AP.

The Wall Street Journal also explained that "catastrophic floods in the high Himalayan region swept through villages popular with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims."

Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims gather in small villages such as Syabrubesi and Timure, located at the confluence of the Trishuli and Rende rivers flowing through this area.

Syabrubesi and Timure are among the areas hardest hit by the floods.

These villages are also vital gateways leading to the Langtang Valley, a world-famous Nepalese trekking area, and the Tamang Heritage Trail located west of the Langtang Valley.

CNN also reported that hundreds of pilgrims gather around Mount Kailash, revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, during the summer months, noting that the floods struck a route heavily used by pilgrims and tourists.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.