Two individuals from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu have been reported missing following severe floods in Nepal. The tourists, including 49-year-old Vimala Ravi, were part of a pilgrimage group travelling to Kailash Mansarovar when they abruptly lost communication.

Distraught family members have urgently appealed to the Central Government for assistance in tracing the missing individuals. Concurrently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched rescue operations, successfully evacuating several Indian nationals from the affected region while working to assist hundreds more stranded near the border.

Families Await Updates on Missing Pilgrims

Vimala Ravi, a resident of Saraswathi Garden in Srirangam, had joined a 49-member group for the journey organised by a Chennai-based travel agency. She left for Nepal on August 14 and had expected to return Thursday. According to the travel agency, the last communication from the group indicated they were heading to an immigration office before losing all contact.

Her brother, Satheesh, expressed deep concern over the sudden loss of communication. Speaking to ANI, he said, “My sister had gone to Nepal for the Kailash Yatra. She contacted us around 8 am yesterday, mentioning that she was at the Chinese immigration office. Since then, we have not heard from her. The Central Government must inform us about her situation. The uncertainty is extremely concerning for our family.”

The natural disaster has caused immense anguish for her family members, who have been unable to establish contact for two days. Her daughter, Madhumitha, stated, “It is immensely painful for our family to know that she might be trapped in the floods. We have not been able to reach her for two days, and the anxiety is overwhelming.”

Vimala’s husband, Ravi, echoed these sentiments, noting that the travel coordinators were equally helpless. “The agency has informed us that they cannot reach anyone from the whole group. As of now, we have no information about my wife. We plead with the Central Government to provide us with any updates on her condition,” he stated.

Government Initiates Rescue Efforts

Addressing the crisis, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed the media that rescue operations were actively underway. He confirmed that 21 Indian nationals, primarily from Tamil Nadu, had already been brought to safety.

Elaborating on the government’s rapid response, Jaiswal said, “As of 1300 hours today, we succeeded in rescuing 21 Indian nationals from the region. This group comprises individuals from Tamil Nadu.” Moreover, he noted that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu was closely monitoring the ongoing situation.

“Our ambassador has spoken with the group and has assured them of complete support. Arrangements for their return travel are expected to be made promptly,” Jaiswal added. Meanwhile, authorities have also identified approximately 200 other Indian tourists stranded on the Chinese side of the border who have formally requested evacuation assistance.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing is actively coordinating efforts to ensure their safe return. The devastating floods in Nepal have heightened anxiety among families across India, underscoring the critical need for swift government intervention and consistent communication.

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