A group of 21 Hindu pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were trapped by sudden flash floods in eastern Nepal have returned safely to India, meeting External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar upon their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
Evacuation Operation in Nepal
As reported by The Hans India, heavy monsoon downpours had triggered extensive flooding and riverbank erosion in Nepal’s eastern districts, cutting off highway connections and leaving the touring pilgrims stranded in remote terrain for over 48 hours.
Following SOS calls from the stranded travelers, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu coordinated directly with Nepalese disaster management authorities, district police, and local rescue teams to mount a targeted relief operation:
- Local responders located the pilgrims and moved them to safe shelter.
- Emergency medical checks, food, and water supplies were provided on-site.
- Specialized transport arrangements transferred the group to Kathmandu for commercial repatriation flights to New Delhi.
Consular Support and Travel Preparedness
At Delhi airport, Dr. Jaishankar interacted with the rescued travelers, enquiring about their health and assuring them that the Ministry of External Affairs remains committed to citizen protection abroad. State authorities in Tamil Nadu coordinated secondary transport for the pilgrims' return to their hometowns, while disaster agencies reiterated the importance of monitoring mountain weather advisories during pilgrimage seasons.
