Chennai, Aug 26 (PTI) Amid the devastating floods in Nepal, the whereabouts of 37 tourists from Tamil Nadu, who were reportedly on their way to a temple in the Himalayas are yet to be confirmed, officials said on Wednesday. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said that senior government officials have been put on the job to “rescue swiftly, those who are missing”.
Thanjavur Collector R Revathi said that of the 57 tourists from the district, officials could account for 20 of them.
Speaking to PTI, the collector said they have identified the 20 people. “We do not know what is happening with the rest for now; we are awaiting more information,” Revathi added.
Of the 20 identified, 11 are women, according to official sources .
CM Vijay said: “I have directed the senior government officials at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to take all necessary measures to swiftly rescue the people from Tamil Nadu who are missing in this disaster and to provide the required assistance to the affected individuals.” He added that swift actions are being taken to gather information about them through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Nepal, and to ensure their safety.
At least 46 people died and nearly 500 others, including 105 Indians, are missing after a massive flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal districts on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran sought the urgent intervention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the rescue and safe repatriation of Indian tourists, who are stranded or missing in the devastating flash floods in Nepal.
In an official communication, Maran, “writing under the guidance of DMK President M K Stalin”, drew attention to the “grave situation” in the neighbouring country.
“Reports indicate that several people have lost their lives and many others, including nearly 50 tourists from Tamil Nadu, remain missing, while rescue operations are being severely hampered by the difficult terrain and continuing flood conditions,” Maran said.
He highlighted that the natural disaster has caused extensive destruction, washing away roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, leading to severe disruptions in communication and transportation networks.
The Member of Parliament representing the Chennai Central constituency noted that the rapidly evolving circumstances have caused “considerable anxiety” among the families of the tourists back in Tamil Nadu.
The DMK leader requested the immediate intervention of the External Affairs Ministry, urging Jaishankar to ensure that every possible measure is taken to locate, rescue, and safeguard the affected individuals. He also appealed for directives to be issued to the Indian Embassy in Nepal and rescue teams to facilitate the stranded Indians’ safe passage back home.
PMK President Dr Anbumani Ramadoss expressed shock and concern over reports that Indians, including 57 from the Kumbakonam area in Thanjavu district, were stranded due to sudden floods in Nepal’s North Rasuwa region.
He urged the Central and state governments to coordinate with the Nepal government to safely bring back all stranded individuals. He also appealed to the Centre to provide necessary rescue and humanitarian aid to Nepal.
Echoing the sentiment, AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran took to the social media platform X, stating that the news of the tourists being caught in the floods and landslides was deeply shocking and painful.
Noting that the whereabouts and condition of 37 individuals remain unknown, Dhinakaran urged the Prime Minister’s Office and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to ensure that officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the state government work together for their safe return. PTI JR SA
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