Andhra: Kuppam resident missing in Nepal after flash floods, family unable to contact him

A resident of Kuppam, Balasubrahmanyam, has gone missing in Nepal following flash floods, according to his family. He had traveled to Nepal with a group associated with the Isha Foundation and left for the country on August 14 from Kathmandu. Balasubrahmanyam's last communication with his family was on Tuesday, when he stated everything was fine and that the group planned to arrive in Hyderabad on August 29.

However, the family learned that the group was at the Gyirong Immigration Centre on Wednesday morning when a flash flood struck the area. His brother, Srikanth, informed PTI that Balasubrahmanyam's mobile phone is not functioning, making it impossible for the family to contact him. They have reached out to the Chief Minister's Office, the Indian Embassy, and government authorities to inquire about his whereabouts.

The family is also attempting to gather information through the Indian government's helpline numbers. Authorities in Nepal, including the Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police Force, are actively conducting rescue operations with around 15 helicopters in the affected region. India has provided humanitarian assistance by sending 10 tonnes of relief material via an IAF C-130J aircraft.

Bhavan, a coordinating agency, is working with Indian missions, Nepalese and Chinese authorities, and pilgrimage organizations to trace, rescue, and safely evacuate affected pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh.