Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims returning from Nepal recalled their narrow escape from the devastating floods that wreaked havoc in the neighbouring country, saying they were fortunate to have left the affected areas before the situation worsened.
According to the latest update from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll has risen to 675, while 2,418 people remain missing or out of contact.
“We left from here on the 16th and are returning today. We were at a safe distance from the floods. Had we been there the following day, we too would have been trapped.
Speaking to ANI, pilgrim Bajranga Laxman said the group had departed on August 16 and was returning after completing the pilgrimage. He said the Indian Embassy in Nepal immediately activated a 24-hour helpline following the tragedy to monitor developments and coordinate assistance. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal also expressed gratitude for international assistance, particularly from India, saying Nepal had received more than 57 tonnes of relief material from India.
By God’s grace, we were spared,” Laxman said. Another pilgrim, Sneha Pandey, said the group came to know about the disaster while returning after completing their parikrama. “Fortunately, we left here on the 16th, and while returning after completing our parikrama, we learned about what had happened,” Pandey said. “Saga, which is a small town, was completely deserted, and we couldn’t access the internet, so our families back home were extremely worried,” she said. Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said India was closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance.
