YERUSHALAYIM — Israel’s Foreign Ministry reported on Friday morning that 38 Israelis who were traveling in the northern region of India are still unaccounted for following severe flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains.

Although there have been no reports of Israeli casualties, the floods have claimed the lives of more than 100 people and caused extensive damage, including school closures, submerged roads, and destroyed homes and bridges.

The challenges in establishing contact with the missing individuals are primarily attributed to damaged communication infrastructure and poor reception in the affected areas.

Israel Ambassador to India Naor Gilon, held a meeting with representatives from Israeli rescue companies Magnus and Magen, as well as the Department for Israelis Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ongoing rescue operations. With heavy rains predicted, particular attention was given to Israeli tourists in the Parvati Valley, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the northernmost state in India. Search teams were dispatched to all settlements in the valley, including the remote areas of Kheerganga, Pulga and Tosh, as part of a joint effort with the rescue companies.

The Foreign Ministry also mentioned that a group of 20 Israeli tourists decided to stay in the village of Pulga, while others chose to evacuate independently. Additionally, a helicopter evacuation was carried out in the village of Kaza.

Source: Hamodia