Scores of Indian tourists remain missing following a devastating flash flood in Nepal on Thursday. Among those unaccounted for are three pilgrims from Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and an Australia-based couple from Odisha who were on holiday in the Himalayan nation.
Context of the Flood
The flash flood struck a crucial border crossing between Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday, affecting many travelers. Survivors, including a group of footballers and their coach, have reported being safe, although several remain stranded. Various state governments have set up helplines to assist families seeking information about their loved ones.
Missing Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu
The three Hosur pilgrims were part of a larger group of 57 travelers who departed from Kumbakonam on Sunday. As of Thursday morning, officials confirmed that 20 members of the group were safe, but the status of the remaining members remains uncertain. Roopalakshmi, whose mother-in-law is among the missing, expressed her distress:
“"We haven’t received any details. All we know is that 57 members are stranded. We have come to know that 20 of them are safe. My mother-in-law’s name is not among them."
She added that the emergency helplines provided were unresponsive, stating:
“"None of those numbers are working. I really want the government to tell us how they are, where they are..."
Two other residents of Hosur, Thimarayasamy and his wife Mamtha, are also part of the same pilgrimage. Their family has been unable to reach them since the flood.
Government Response
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has instructed officials at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Nepal to locate and assist those from the state.
