3 days ago
Malayali Group Returns Safely After Nepal Flash Floods
A group of 36 people from Kerala was visiting Nepal when sudden floods and a landslide blocked their route.
They changed direction and became trapped near a forest in the dark.
The travellers said the water rose very quickly and swept away trees and buildings.
They stayed on a bus for hours before walking through the woods.
They later received food and safe accommodation.
The group crossed into India and travelled home on separate flights and trains.
Five people went through Bengaluru, while 31 arrived at Nedumbassery Airport.
Nepal has now warned people near the Bhote Koshi River to be very careful because the water flow has increased.
All 36 members of a Malayali travel group returned safely from Nepal after flash floods disrupted their journey.
The group travelled about 100 kilometres to the Nepal border before reaching Gorakhpur Airport in Uttar Pradesh.
Five Kasaragod residents returned via Bengaluru by train, while the other 31 arrived at Nedumbassery Airport at 2:30 am Sunday.
Travellers said floodwaters surged like a tsunami, while a landslide trapped them in a forest after darkness fell.
Nepal’s disaster authority issued a fresh warning about increased water flow and unusual roaring sounds in the Bhote Koshi River.
- Who
- A 36-member Malayali travel group from Kerala, including residents of Kasaragod, and Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
- What
- The group escaped Nepal flash floods and returned safely to India, while Nepal issued a new river-flood safety warning.
- Where
- The travellers were in Nepal, crossed into India, reached Gorakhpur Airport in Uttar Pradesh, and returned via Bengaluru and Nedumbassery Airport. The warning covers areas along the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
- When
- The group returned on Sunday; the floods occurred during the Onam period, and the fresh warning followed the August 26 flash floods.
- Why
- The group changed its route after roads closed and a nearby landslide and flood occurred; the warning was issued after reports of increased river flow and roaring sounds.
Key facts
- Group size
- 36 Malayali travellers
- Return route
- About 100 kilometres from the Nepal border to Gorakhpur Airport in Uttar Pradesh
- Kasaragod group
- Five members travelled through Bengaluru and then returned home by train
- Other travellers
- 31 members arrived at Nedumbassery Airport at 2:30 am Sunday
- Main dangers
- Sudden floodwaters, a landslide, blocked roads, darkness, and temporary difficulties finding food and accommodation
- River warning
- Nepal authorities reported increased roaring sounds and water flow in the Bhote Koshi River
- Affected warning areas
- Riverbank communities in Rasuwa and downstream areas in Nuwakot and Dhading
Quotes
Pradeep Kumar
A former sub-inspector and member of the Kasaragod group.
“It was an adventurous trip and we were lucky. We were moving to Galtimunj for our next visit when suddenly the roads were closed. Later, we realised that the disaster had happened about 500 metres away from us. The disaster was a horrifying sight. We stopped for a temple visit before moving to the next destination. This stop saved our lives; that was the golden hour. We thank God for our lives.”
deccanchronicle.com
“At first, we didn't realise what was happening. The vehicles were stopped and local residents started running towards the curve ahead of us. Later, we went to look at the scene, and the disaster reminded me of a tsunami.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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