6 days ago
Kolkata Pilgrims Untraceable After Nepal Flash Flood Near Tibet
A group from Kolkata was traveling to Mount Kailash when a sudden flood hit Nepal.
The group had 30 tourists and two tour managers.
They were near Rasuwagadhi, close to the Tibet border, when they stopped communicating.
Their phones were last tracked or contacted at about 8 a.m.
to 8:15 a.m.
Many other people were also missing after the flood.
Reports gave the death toll as nearly 100 or more than 100, while over 750 people were still missing.
Travel agencies sent a helicopter to look for the group.
West Bengal officials and the Indian Embassy are helping families search for information.
A 32-member Kolkata group, including 30 tourists and two managers, became untraceable after flooding at Rasuwagadhi.
The group was undertaking the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and had reached an immigration office before the flood.
Tour operators last tracked or contacted members between approximately 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
Reports said nearly 100 to more than 100 people were killed and over 750 remained missing, including 133 Indians.
West Bengal authorities, the Indian Embassy and travel agencies are coordinating searches and operating family helplines.
- Who
- A Kolkata group of 30 tourists and two tour managers, along with other West Bengal residents who may be missing or stranded.
- What
- The group became untraceable after a flash flood struck Rasuwagadhi while they were preparing to cross into Tibet.
- Where
- Rasuwagadhi in Nepal, along the Nepal-Tibet border.
- When
- The flood struck on Wednesday morning, August 26; the group was last contacted or tracked between about 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., and was at immigration around 8:30 a.m.
- Why
- The flood disrupted communications and access. Nepal’s foreign minister suggested that an earthquake in Tibet shortly beforehand may have caused a glacial outburst.
Official and Agency Account
Alternative Report Details
Reported group size
Official and Agency Account
PTI-based reports identified a 32-member group consisting of 30 tourists and two tour managers.
Alternative Report Details
The Telegraph India reported at least 33 Calcuttans, including 31 tourists, two tour managers and about five sherpas who joined in Kathmandu.
Last contact
Official and Agency Account
The official and travel-agency accounts said the two managers were last contacted around 8 a.m., with some tourists reportedly live on Facebook then.
Alternative Report Details
The Telegraph India said the agency tracked the group’s mobile phones through towers until approximately 8:15 a.m. and had not spoken with them that morning.
Reported casualties
Official and Agency Account
Some reports said more than 100 people were killed in the disaster.
Alternative Report Details
Other reports described the death toll as nearly 100; all reports said over 750 people, including 133 Indians, remained missing.
Key facts
- Group composition
- The main reports identified 32 people: 30 tourists and two tour managers.
- Journey
- The group left Kolkata on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day.
- Destination
- The group was traveling on the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.
- Last known location
- Members were at the Rasuwagadhi immigration office while preparing to cross into Tibet.
- Wider impact
- Reports said nearly 100 to more than 100 people were killed and over 750 remained missing, including 133 Indian nationals.
- Search effort
- Samrat Tours and Travels or the agency handling international arrangements sent a helicopter to the affected area, but the group was not located.
- Family helplines
- West Bengal provided the numbers (033) 24793311 and 9147890181.
Quotes
Chalo Jaai Travel Club official
Official of the Kolkata-based travel agency accompanying the group
“We did not speak to them this morning, but their mobile phones were switched on till 8-8.15am. But after that there was no contact. We are extremely tense. Family members of some of them have been calling us since morning, but we don’t have any answers. The families couldn’t contact them either.”
telegraphindia.com
“The two managers had mobile roaming facilities and were last contacted around 8 am. Some of the tourists had also reportedly gone live on Facebook around that time. But after the news of the flash flood came, there has been no contact with them.”
NDTV
theprint.in
A West Bengal government official
A state government official discussing efforts to locate people from West Bengal.
“Extremely concerned about reports of over 100 Indian visitors, mostly pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, who are missing... The Government of West Bengal is actively coordinating with the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and proper Administrative channels. The exact number of missing or affected persons from West Bengal is currently being ascertained and verification is underway. Information regarding those stranded is being sought...”
telegraphindia.com
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives. My heartfelt condolences are with those who have lost their relatives, friends and loved ones. I pray for Nepal and the affected people.”
NDTV
freepressjournal.in
theprint.in
An unnamed official
An official providing information about the missing West Bengal pilgrims and rescue efforts
“There has been no communication with any of the 32 members since the flash flood struck the area. We are trying to establish contact with all those from West Bengal who may have been in the affected areas.”
m.rediff.com
NDTV
Sources
33 Calcuttans missing after flash flood hits Kailash Manasarovar route in Nepal - Telegraph India
32-member Mansarovar yatra group from WB untraceable
Nepal Floods: 32-Member Kolkata Group Among Many From West Bengal Untraceable
Nepal Flash Floods: 32-Member Kolkata Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Group Goes Missing Near Tibet Border | Video
32-member Kolkata group among many from West Bengal untraceable after Nepal disaster
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