The devastating floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River region have raised concerns over the safety of tourists and pilgrims travelling through the area. Gujarat authorities are on alert and coordinating efforts to trace travellers from the state who may be among those reported missing.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers, including 105 Indians, were reported out of contact following the floods. The list also includes Nepali nationals and tourists from countries such as Australia, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa and Malaysia.
68 Travellers from Gujarat and Mumbai Safe
Amid the concerns, 68 travellers from Gujarat and Mumbai, including 43 Kutchis and 25 NRIs, have been confirmed safe. The group was on a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and had left on August 21 under a tour organised by Bhuj-based operator Shailesh Maheshwari.
The pilgrims reached the Nepal-China border immigration centre on Tuesday evening and took photographs there. Hours later, the region was hit by devastating floods.
Border Immigration Centre Destroyed
The Nepal-China border immigration centre, where the pilgrims had taken photographs shortly before the disaster, was also reportedly damaged or destroyed in the floods.
The group is currently safe and preparing to continue its journey from the China-Tibet border. According to the tour operator, the travellers are expected to return on September 4.
A Rajkot-based tour operator said around 125 pilgrims from Gujarat had travelled to Kailash Mansarovar about a month ago and returned safely. Several others who received permits in June could not travel because of visa-related issues and were scheduled to make the journey later.
The latest developments have prompted Gujarat authorities to remain vigilant and coordinate efforts to verify the whereabouts and safety of Gujarati travellers who may have been in Nepal during the floods.