Andhra Pradesh intensifies efforts to trace, rescue Telugu pilgrims stranded in flood-hit Nepal

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified its efforts to locate and rescue Telugu pilgrims and residents who have been stranded in Nepal due to devastating floods. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to maintain constant vigilance and provide all necessary assistance to those in need. The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), headed by Minister Nara Lokesh, is overseeing the response through continuous monitoring and information verification.

The team is in constant contact with the AP Bhavan in New Delhi and sharing real-time updates with various agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian and Chinese embassies, and Nepalese authorities. The flood crisis, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, has impacted Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, leaving at least 175 people dead and more than 820 missing.

Bridges and roads in the affected regions have been severely damaged, making rescue operations difficult. The Nepal Army has deployed 14-15 helicopters, rescuing 123 individuals, including four Andhra Pradesh residents who are safe. Four pilgrims, including three from the Isha Foundation Group S3, have been traced safe and are currently staying in China.

Authorities are still searching for three others, including Bala Subramanyam of Kuppam, Sasi Kumar, and Rajyalakshmi Nimmagadda. The government has established an emergency control room to coordinate assistance and families can reach out for information through various channels, including the Nepal Tourism Police, AP Bhavan, and WhatsApp.