6 days ago
Tamil Nadu Families Await News After Nepal Floods Hit Pilgrims
Fifty-seven people from Tamil Nadu traveled to Nepal in three buses.
They were heading toward the Tibet border when sudden floods hit the area.
The floods were reportedly caused by an avalanche.
The travelers heard a loud sound and some were taken to safety.
Officials have confirmed that 20 people are safe, although one family said a list showed 21 names.
Some travelers may be in hospitals or military camps.
Families cannot easily call because phone networks are not working well.
Tamil Nadu and Indian officials are trying to find everyone and bring them home safely.
Fifty-seven people from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, traveled to Nepal in three buses toward the Tibet border.
Flash floods, reportedly triggered by an avalanche, struck near the group’s route on August 26, disrupting communications.
Officials and the travel agency confirmed 20 pilgrims were safe, while one family said a list showed 21 names.
Some travelers were reportedly hospitalized or taken to a military camp, but the status of the remaining 37 is unknown.
Tamil Nadu is coordinating with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Nepal on rescue and relief efforts.
- Who
- Fifty-seven travelers from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, their families, Super Yathra, and government and rescue officials.
- What
- A group of pilgrims and tourists was caught in flash floods in Nepal, with 20 confirmed safe and 37 still without confirmed information.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Nepal, including the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, along a route toward the Tibet border; families gathered in Kumbakonam.
- When
- The group left Tamil Nadu on August 24; the travelers reported hearing a loud sound near the Tibet border on August 26 around 9 a.m.
- Why
- An avalanche reportedly triggered flash flooding, while damaged or unavailable communication networks made it difficult to contact the travelers.
Key facts
- Travelers involved
- 57 people from Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Travel arrangements
- The group traveled in three buses organized by Super Yathra and left on August 24
- Reportedly safe
- Officials and the travel agency confirmed 20 people were safe
- Reported discrepancy
- A family said the agency showed a list containing 21 safe people, while official and agency statements cited 20
- Unconfirmed status
- The status of the remaining 37 travelers was not known
- Disaster impact
- The reports said at least 165 people were killed and hundreds were missing in Nepal
- Wider missing-traveler figure
- Nepal authorities cited 579 missing travelers, including 466 foreigners and 113 Nepalis
- Response
- Tamil Nadu activated helplines and is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Nepal
Quotes
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office
Tamil Nadu government office coordinating rescue and assistance efforts
“57 people had gone in three buses. The first bus went fine. There was a loud noise when the second and third buses crossed. We are unable to establish contact with any of them. We are able to speak only when there is a tower link. We are following it up and are trying to speak to everyone”
NDTV
“I have directed the senior officials of the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to take all necessary actions to swiftly rescue those from Tamil Nadu who have gone missing in this disaster and to provide the required assistance to those affected.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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