The Tamil Nadu Government has stepped up efforts to rescue Tamils stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district along the Nepal-Tibet border.
The floods in the Bhote Koshi River region on Wednesday caused widespread destruction, with at least 165 people reported dead in Nepal and hundreds of tourists and foreign nationals still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are continuing in the affected areas.
At least 57 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were among those stranded in Nepal. Reports indicate that 20 members of the group have been confirmed safe, while the whereabouts of the remaining 37 were initially unknown. Rescue and tracing efforts are continuing amid difficult terrain and disrupted communications.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay held discussions with senior officials on the steps taken so far to trace and rescue the stranded Tamils and reviewed further measures required to assist them.
A team led by Ashish Kumar, Commissioner of the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, is being sent to Nepal to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts.
The Chief Minister has also directed Ministers Rajmohan, Aadhav Arjuna, Vinoth and Thennarasu to travel to New Delhi and coordinate the rescue operations.
The Tamil Nadu Government is coordinating with the authorities concerned and the Indian mission in Nepal to obtain updated information on the stranded pilgrims and facilitate their safe return.
