Mud, Rocks, Furious Water Flow: How A Six-Yard Saree Became A Lifeline For 21 Tamil Nadu Pilgrims During Nepal Flash Flood
Caught in a terrifying flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border, a group of pilgrims found an unlikely lifeline in a saree as they scrambled up a slippery mountainside to escape the raging waters. A wall of mud, rocks and water According various media reports, the pilgrims were on their way from Syabrubesi towards Kerung as part of the Mount Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra when the mountains suddenly…
A group of 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims faced a perilous situation when they encountered a flash flood and mudslide near the Nepal-Tibet border. As they attempted to escape the raging waters, they found an unexpected savior in a six-yard saree belonging to a Mayiladuthurai woman. The flood, characterized by a wall of mud, rocks, and water, swept away vehicles and posed a serious threat to the pilgrims.
The pilgrims, who were part of the Mount Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, were initially able to reach a safer bend when their bus stopped, but they soon had to begin their uphill climb on a slippery, muddy slope. Many of the older pilgrims found it difficult to maintain their footing, and they fell multiple times while climbing. In a miraculous turn of events, Poonguzhali, the woman who owned the saree, noticed that several women were still trapped below her.
She quickly removed her saree, donned a sweater, and lowered it towards those in need. The saree became a makeshift rope that the pilgrims used to pull themselves to safety. Some individuals even tied the saree around their waists to be lifted by those above. The coordinated effort helped all 21 pilgrims reach higher ground, despite the challenging conditions.
The pilgrims spent around a day and a half on the mountain, enduring harsh weather and scarce food supplies. Local authorities provided them with snacks and bottled water while they awaited rescue. Ultimately, the Nepal Army, local officials, the Indian Embassy, Tamil Nadu authorities, and the central government worked together to evacuate the pilgrims.
Once back in India, the pilgrims were flown to Delhi before continuing their journey to Chennai. Their rescue was met with gratitude from Tamil Nadu ministers, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar personally acknowledged their plight. The image of the saree being lowered down the treacherous mountainside remains a poignant symbol of the faith, quick thinking, and mutual assistance that enabled the pilgrims to overcome the harrowing ordeal.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
