Nepal flash flood: 80 from Maharashtra stranded, state sets up 24-hour helpline

In the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that struck northern Nepal, leaving at least 165 people dead, the Maharashtra government has taken swift action to aid the 80 stranded tourists from the region. The state has established a 24-hour control room and an online registration facility to trace the missing individuals. Maharashtra's Disaster Management Minister, Girish Mahajan, stated that while four out of the 80 tourists from Jalgaon have been accounted for and confirmed safe, efforts are underway to contact the remaining individuals.

The Maharashtra government has appealed to the families of the missing persons to register their details with the state's disaster management authority, providing information such as the missing person's name, mobile number, current location, and family contact details. This initiative is aimed at helping authorities ascertain the whereabouts of the stranded tourists.

The Nepal Tourism Board reported that 384 travelers from Nepal-Tibet border regions are missing, comprising 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals. The disaster has caused significant disruptions to roads and infrastructure, making rescue operations more challenging. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, confirmed that he is in constant communication with those stranded in Nepal, emphasizing the primary objective of ensuring their safe rescue.