At Least 57 Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu Stranded in Nepal Flash Floods

At least 57 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were among the Indians stranded in Nepal after devastating flash floods caused widespread destruction on Wednesday. While a group of 21 reached out to officials seeking rescue, authorities continued efforts to locate the remaining members of the group.

The 57 pilgrims had traveled to Nepal on a tour organized by a Kumbakonam-based company in collaboration with a Nepal-based agency. Having arrived in Nepal several days ago, the travelers were divided into three groups across three buses heading towards the Tibet border when the disaster struck. According to a travel company spokesperson, about 21 travelers secured shelter at a Nepal border police outpost, while the status of others was still being determined.

Among those stranded were 11 individuals from Chidambaram and Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore district. Meanwhile, district administrations in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai began collecting contact details of tourists from their areas to coordinate their safety with the Central government. Families in Mayiladuthurai reported that several relatives, who had departed from Chennai on a Kailash tour on Sunday, made brief phone calls confirming they were safe in camps or near the border before communication was disrupted.

Separately, Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev stated that 148 people participating in their organized sojourn were in Nepal, with 77 individuals located at the immigration center and three volunteers in Timure, Nepal. He noted that 495 people had already returned safely and 743 were currently in Tibet, adding that teams were coordinating with authorities to assist in rescue efforts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed shock over the calamity and the reports of missing pilgrims from the State. He directed officials at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to coordinate swift rescue and assistance efforts.

The State government, through the Department of Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, established 24-hour helpline numbers for families. People within India can contact the toll-free number 1800 309 3793, while callers from abroad can give a missed call to +91 80690 09900 or call +91 80690 09901. The control room at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi can be reached at 92895 16712.