New Delhi, Aug 28: Twenty-one pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, who were caught in the devastating floods in Nepal while travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have safely returned to India, bringing relief to their families after a tense ordeal.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received the rescued pilgrims at Delhi airport and spoke with them about their experience during the disaster. The group had been stranded after severe flash floods struck parts of Nepal, disrupting roads and communications and leaving several travellers unaccounted for.
The pilgrims’ safe return has offered a moment of relief amid a much wider humanitarian crisis. Rescue teams in Nepal are continuing operations across flood-affected areas, where large numbers of people remain missing and infrastructure has suffered extensive damage.
The Indian government is coordinating with Nepalese authorities and working to establish the whereabouts and safety of other Indian nationals affected by the floods. The Ministry of External Affairs has said rescue and tracing efforts remain underway.
For the families of the 21 pilgrims, their return marks an important moment of reassurance after the uncertainty caused by the disaster. Their rescue also highlights the importance of coordination between local authorities, rescue agencies and diplomatic teams during emergencies involving citizens abroad.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are focusing on reaching people stranded in remote and severely affected areas while monitoring the risk of further flooding. The priority remains to locate missing people, provide assistance to survivors and help affected families receive timely information.
The return of the Tamil Nadu pilgrims brings hope amid the continuing crisis and underlines the importance of sustained rescue and relief efforts as Nepal works to recover from one of its most severe recent flood disasters.