'God saved us all': 36-member Malayali group caught in Nepal flash floods returns to Keralam

Onam festivities in Nedumbassery, India were disrupted by devastating flash floods in Nepal, which claimed the lives of many. A group of 36 Malayali residents caught in the disaster managed to escape and return home safely. The group initially travelled 100 kilometers from the Nepal border, crossing into Gorakhpur Airport in Uttar Pradesh before boarding two separate flights back to their homes.

Among the survivors were five from Kasaragod who initially headed to Bengaluru before returning home by train. The remaining 31 members landed at Nedumbassery Airport at 2:30 am on Sunday. Recounting their harrowing experience, they described the water surging towards them like a tsunami, trapping them in the forest during darkness after a landslide occurred.

A temple visit on their journey, believed to be at the golden hour, saved their lives. Pradeep Kumar, a member of the group, recounted that they initially did not realize the severity of the situation, with local residents running towards a curve ahead. Eventually, they sought refuge under a bus before moving to a safe location.

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued an urgent public safety warning, urging residents and relief teams along downstream settlements to remain vigilant and cautious due to the increased roar and water flow of the Bhote Koshi River.