At least 80 tourists from Maharashtra are reportedly stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have caused widespread destruction across the Himalayan nation. Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said authorities have so far been able to establish contact with only four to five people from the group.
According to Mahajan, 57 of the stranded tourists travelled through Richa Tours and Travels. The Maharashtra government is now coordinating with the Union government and authorities in Nepal to locate the remaining tourists and determine their safety.
Maharashtra Government Steps Up Efforts To Trace Tourists
The state government is working to establish communication with those who remain unreachable. Officials are also trying to collect information about their locations, health conditions and immediate requirements so that appropriate assistance and evacuation arrangements can be made.
The situation in Nepal remains difficult as rescue and relief operations continue in several flood-affected areas.
24-Hour Helpline Activated In Maharashtra
To assist citizens affected by the Nepal floods, the Maharashtra government has activated a 24-hour State Control Room at Mantralaya.
Maharashtra residents who are stranded in Nepal or need emergency assistance can contact the state control room at:
- Toll-free helpline: 1070
- Emergency contact: +91-9321587143
- Email: controlroom@maharashtra.gov.in
The government has also asked stranded residents to submit their details through its official assistance mechanism so that officials can coordinate with rescue agencies.
India Sends More Relief Material To Nepal
Meanwhile, India has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal following the deadly floods. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said a second consignment carrying 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material, including medicines and food packets, was sent to Nepal.
This followed an earlier shipment of 10 tonnes of relief supplies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives. Modi assured Nepal of India’s support and said Indian and Nepalese teams were coordinating on rescue and relief operations.
Nearly 800 People Missing In Nepal
The scale of the disaster has raised serious concerns for tourists and local residents alike. Nepal has reported more than 160 deaths and nearly 800 people missing, while reports indicate that around 300 Indians could be among those unaccounted for.
With communication still disrupted in several affected areas, authorities are racing against time to trace missing people and arrange their safe evacuation.
