Nepal Floods: Mumbai-Based Mountaineer Among Missing; 80 Tourists From Maharashtra Stranded So Far

Mumbai-based mountaineer Dr Milind P Chitlay and medical practitioner, co-founder of Hills and Trails, is among those reported missing after Nepal suffered devastating flash floods, with his family and associates unable to confirm his whereabouts. The communication network in Nepal has reportedly been disrupted, complicating efforts to locate those stranded in affected areas.

A member of Mumbai's trekking community reported that contact was established with another trekking group whose members were safe but could not confirm Chitlay's safety. Chitlay, an experienced mountaineer who had led several Nepal treks, was familiar with the region's mountainous terrain and had visited the country over 18-19 times.

This disappearance has caused concern among Mumbai's trekking and mountaineering community as rescue efforts continue. Meanwhile, 80 tourists from Maharashtra are reported stranded in Nepal following the floods, with the Maharashtra government coordinating with the Union government to trace and evacuate the stranded tourists. Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan confirmed contact with only four to five of the 80 tourists, with 57 of them traveling through Richa Tours and Travels.

The Maharashtra government has activated a 24-hour control room at Mantralaya to assist residents affected by the disaster, with a toll-free helpline at 1070 and an additional contact number at +91-9321587143. Over 160 people have died and nearly 800 are missing in Nepal, with nearly 300 Indians among the missing. India has provided humanitarian assistance to Nepal, sending a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines, and food packets to support relief operations following an earlier shipment of 10 tonnes of aid.