Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 27 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh is personally coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts to ensure the safe return of state residents stranded or reported missing in flood-affected areas of Nepal, officials said on Thursday.
According to the state government, seven people from Andhra Pradesh have so far been identified as missing or stranded following the floods in areas along the Nepal-Tibet route used by Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.
Of the seven, four people have been traced safe but remain stranded, while efforts are continuing to locate three others whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
The three persons reported missing have been identified as Bala Subramanyam from Kuppam; Sasi Kumar, who was travelling with the Isha Foundation's Group S3 and was last seen at the Gyrong Embassy in China; and Rajyalakshmi Nimmagadda, also a member of the Isha Foundation Group S3.
The state government said Bhaskar Shastri and three others from Adoni and Kurnool have been confirmed safe but remain stranded. They were travelling as part of a 156-member group on a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
Minister Nara Lokesh is coordinating with multiple agencies to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing persons and facilitate the evacuation of those stranded.
The Andhra Pradesh Bhavan and concerned state departments are maintaining contact with the Indian Embassy, Chinese Embassy, Nepalese Embassy, Gyrong Immigration Centre, Isha Foundation, RTGS Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The situation in the affected areas remains fluid. Syapru Besi, BC and Timure, which serve as important transit and acclimatisation points for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, have been severely affected by the flooding.
Initial reports indicate that the sudden flooding may have been triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the Lhende River, rather than rainfall, though the situation and exact cause are being assessed.
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and paramilitary forces are engaged in rescue operations in the affected areas.
The state government has advised people who remain stranded to stay in safe locations and maintain communication with their respective embassies.
Families seeking information about missing persons have been advised to contact Nepal Tourism Police at 1144, the concerned embassy or AP Bhavan, while providing available travel details, transportation information and the person's last known location.
The state government said efforts are continuing on a priority basis to trace the three missing persons and safely evacuate those who have been located but remain stranded. (ANI)
Nara Lokesh leads efforts to rescue AP residents stranded, missing in Nepal floods
