53 from Kerala stuck in Nepal safe: Official

Fifty-three individuals from Kerala, who were stranded in Nepal's flash flood-hit region, are now reported to be safe, according to Rajesh Madhavan, a top official of NoRKA-Roots. NoRKA-Roots is the nodal agency responsible for the welfare of expatriate Keralites. Madhavan stated that despite not being able to directly contact the group of 53 Malayali travelers, credible information received from the Indian Embassy confirmed their safety.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs reported that 33 people from Kerala remain untraceable. Madhavan assured that no reports have been received of any Keralite missing or in an unsafe location. He added that a clearer picture will emerge by tomorrow.

The group consists of adults and children, and due to mobility and network issues, direct communication with them has been challenging. However, family members of some members were able to speak to them on the phone until recently. The state's chief secretary and the resident commissioner are coordinating with the Indian embassy regarding the situation. Madhavan declined to provide details about the group's current location but assured that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic or alarm.

Apart from the 53 travelers, other tourist groups from places like Kanhangad and Kottayam in Kerala, who ventured to Nepal, are also in different parts of the hilly country and safe. Madhavan stated that they have been able to speak to them. The number of stranded Keralites in the flood-hit parts of Nepal is not expected to increase, as the number of calls to the helpline center ceased since Wednesday night.

At least 162 people have lost their lives, and over 400 are missing, including 142 Indians, following a massive flash flood due to the Bhote Koshi river in a region bordering Tibet in Nepal since Wednesday. The flash floods caused massive destruction in at least six districts of the Himalayan country.