New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI) Over 130 Indians, including many pilgrims on Mansarovar Yatra, were missing and scores of others were stranded in Nepal after flash floods swept through its central districts, unleashing devastation and cutting off affected areas, according to officials in the neighbouring country.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, have launched helplines for the affected Indians and their kin.
At least 59 of the Indians were pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, Samrat Tours and Travel agency said. Details regarding affected Indian nationals remain sparse as severe flooding in Nepal has disrupted communication links.
*Tamil Nadu: The whereabouts of 37 of the 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu are yet to be ascertained, while 20 others have been accounted for, state officials said.
The tourists were reportedly on their way to a temple in the Himalayas.
Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Coimbatore, claimed 77 of its members who were at an immigration centre were missing.
“There has been no official information on the whereabouts of any of the people who were at the immigration office,” said its founder Sadhguru, adding that 495 people have returned safely.
The Nepal government later said the entire staff of that particular immigration centre are out of contact.
*Uttar Pradesh: Several people from Uttar Pradesh were believed to be stranded in the neighbouring country. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who had gone to Nepal via road with his associates, was stuck in Pokhara.
“We will reach Kathmandu tomorrow by flight and from there by flight to Delhi because of this situation and leave behind our vehicles as it won’t be possible to travel by road,” the Bhartiya Kisan Union leader said in a video message.
The Relief Commissioner’s Office has issued an advisory for Uttar Pradesh residents affected by the floods in Nepal, urging their relatives to immediately contact the state helpline number 1070 if anyone from the state is stranded in Nepal or requires any assistance.
*Maharashtra: Four tourists from two cities in Maharashtra are stuck in Nepal amid flash floods, but are safe, officials said.
An official told PTI that state disaster management authorities have established communication with the four, including two each from Mumbai and Pune.
He said authorities are preparing a list of people from Maharashtra who could have been stranded in Nepal due to the floods.
*Keralam: A team of 36 people touring Nepal was safe and away from the areas affected by the devastating flash floods, state officials said.
Keralam has opened a helpdesk through state-run NORKA-Roots to provide emergency assistance to people from the state affected by the flash floods in Nepal.
NORKA Roots is the field agency for the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs under the state government.
People seeking assistance can contact the Norka Global Contact Centre at 18004253939 (toll-free) or give a missed call from abroad at +91-8802012345, the statement said.
The CMO urged families unable to contact Malayalis travelling in Nepal to inform the Chief Minister’s Office at 9447111844 or 9747132147.
The Sikkim government set up a helpline to assist residents whose family members or relatives may be stranded or affected by flash floods in Nepal “People in Sikkim who have family members or relatives currently in Nepal and affected by the floods are requested to contact the helpline (03592-201145, 03592-202461 and 03592-202256) with relevant details,” the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers for assistance and information related to Indian nationals that have been affected by the flash floods. In a post on X, it said people can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500. PTI TEAM RT RT
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