Tamil Nadu pilgrims stranded in Nepal after flash flood triggers landslides

At least 50 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu remain stranded in Nepal after a flash flood struck early Wednesday morning, triggering landslips that blocked their route and forced them to seek emergency shelter.

The group, travelling in three vehicles, was hit by the disaster around 8 a.m. near Timure, approximately 150 km north of Kathmandu. Passengers from one vehicle have taken refuge at an Armed Police Force outpost in the area, while occupants of another vehicle climbed to the top of a hill for safety. The whereabouts and condition of those in the third vehicle remain unclear.

Tamil Nadu government mobilises rescue

Tamil Nadu government officials have launched rescue operations after receiving the alert, according to official sources. Coordination efforts are underway to establish contact with all the stranded pilgrims and arrange their safe evacuation from the affected zone.

Pilgrims from across state trapped

The stranded pilgrims hail from multiple districts across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthirai and Tiruchi. Two travellers from Maharashtra had also joined the Tamil Nadu group for the pilgrimage.

The flash flood and subsequent landslips have cut off the route, leaving the pilgrims isolated in a remote mountainous region with limited communication and access to assistance. Rescue teams are working to reach the stranded groups as the situation remains fluid and information about the occupants of two of the three vehicles is yet to be confirmed.

Source: The Hindu