Dayanidhi Maran Urges Centre to Rescue Tamil Nadu Tourists Stranded in Nepal Floods

Chennai Central Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran on Wednesday sought the urgent intervention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the rescue and safe repatriation of Indian tourists, including around 50 from Tamil Nadu, stranded or missing after massive flash floods in Nepal.

A sudden flood swept through two central Nepal districts bordering Tibet early Wednesday, killing four people, damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects, and causing extensive devastation along the Bhote Koshi river.

Writing under the guidance of DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin, Maran highlighted the grave situation in a formal letter to Jaishankar. He noted that natural disaster conditions had washed away critical infrastructure, roads, and bridges, causing severe disruptions in transportation and communication networks while hampering rescue operations.

Maran stated that the evolving crisis has caused deep anxiety among families back in Tamil Nadu. He urged the External Affairs Ministry to issue directives to the Indian Embassy in Nepal and mobilise rescue teams to safeguard the affected individuals and facilitate their return home.

Other Tamil Nadu political leaders also raised concerns over the disaster. PMK President Dr Anbumani Ramadoss stated that over 400 Indians, including 57 from Kumbakonam and surrounding districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai, were stranded in Nepal's North Rasuwa region. He noted that while 22 had been rescued, information was lacking on the others, urging coordinated efforts between the Indian and Nepalese governments.

AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran also urged the Prime Minister's Office and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to ensure that state and central officials work together to secure the safe return of missing tourists.