Families in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are anxiously waiting for information about relatives who became untraceable or stranded after devastating flash floods hit Nepal, with several Indian pilgrims and tourists caught in the disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. Authorities and rescue agencies are working to establish contact with those whose whereabouts remain unclear as communication networks in affected areas have been disrupted.

The disaster has triggered concern across several Indian states, particularly among families whose relatives were travelling to Nepal as part of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage groups. Officials have activated helplines and control rooms to coordinate information about Indian nationals, while rescue operations continue in difficult conditions.

Kolkata Group Remains Untraceable

A 32-member group from Kolkata, comprising 30 tourists and two tour managers, has remained untraceable after the flash floods struck the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-Tibet border. The group had left Kolkata on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day before travelling towards the border. (The Times of India)

According to officials, the group was at an immigration office at around 8:30 am when the flash flood hit the area. There has been no communication with the members since the disaster, adding to the uncertainty for their families back home. 

Officials in West Bengal are attempting to establish contact with residents who may have been in the affected region, but damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication have complicated the effort.

Tamil Nadu Families Await Updates

Concern is also mounting in Tamil Nadu, where several pilgrims travelling in Nepal have been affected. Officials said 37 of 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained unaccounted for, while 20 had been traced and were reported safe.

The group had travelled for a pilgrimage and was caught in the flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River region. Families have been closely following updates as authorities attempt to locate the remaining travellers and facilitate communication with those who have reached safer areas.

Reports from Tamil Nadu have highlighted the uncertainty faced by relatives who have been unable to speak directly with family members since the disaster. The affected pilgrims include people from districts such as Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai. 

More Indians Among Missing

The concerns in Bengal and Tamil Nadu are part of a wider effort to trace Indian nationals caught in the Nepal disaster. Earlier figures indicated that more than 130 Indians, including pilgrims travelling on the Mansarovar route, were among those missing or unaccounted for. 

The numbers have continued to evolve as rescue teams establish contact with survivors and recover information from affected areas. Reuters reported on Thursday that nearly 500 foreigners were among 826 people reported missing in Nepal, with 177 Indians listed among the missing tourists. 

The disaster has also affected travellers from several other countries, underscoring the scale of the disruption along the Himalayan pilgrimage and tourism corridor.

Rescue Operations Continue

The flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of Nepal, sweeping away roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. Rescue teams have been using helicopters to reach people stranded in isolated areas, while emergency supplies are being delivered to communities cut off by the disaster. 

The rescue operation remains challenging because several affected areas have suffered communication breakdowns and road connectivity has been severely damaged. Authorities are continuing searches for missing people while also working to evacuate those trapped in vulnerable locations.

The disaster has been linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow in the Himalayan region, rather than the earthquake initially suspected. The sudden release of water and debris produced a powerful flood surge through populated areas. 

Helplines Help Families

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several state governments have established helplines for Indians stranded in Nepal and their relatives in India. Tamil Nadu is among the states coordinating assistance for affected travellers, while other states have also opened control rooms as the list of missing and stranded Indians is assessed. 

For families in Kolkata, Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, the immediate priority remains establishing contact with relatives and confirming their safety. With rescue operations still underway, authorities are expected to continue updating the status of Indian nationals as communication is restored and search teams reach affected locations.

Heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life across parts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, with several routes in Sukma cut off by rising water while rescue teams are using boats to evacuate people stranded in Bijapur district. The continuing downpour has affected road connectivity and made movement difficult in several areas. 

The situation has prompted authorities to step up emergency response measures in the affected districts. With water levels rising in low-lying areas and roads becoming difficult or impossible to cross, rescue teams are focusing on reaching people trapped or isolated by the flooding.

Roads Cut Off in Sukma

Sukma has been among the areas facing significant disruption following heavy rain. Several routes have been affected by waterlogging and flooding, hampering transportation and restricting access to some areas.

The disruption of road connectivity is particularly significant in the Bastar region, where many villages depend on a limited number of roads for access to district headquarters, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

As water continues to accumulate in affected areas, authorities are monitoring vulnerable routes and assessing the possibility of restoring connectivity once conditions permit.

Boat Rescue Operations in Bijapur

In neighbouring Bijapur, rescue operations are underway with boats being deployed to reach people affected by rising floodwaters. The operation is aimed at evacuating stranded residents and providing assistance in areas where road-based access has become difficult.

Emergency personnel remain on alert as the rainfall continues to affect movement across the district. The use of boats has become necessary in areas where water has inundated roads and surrounding low-lying stretches. 

Bastar Region Faces Rain Fury

The latest situation comes as heavy rainfall continues to affect southern Chhattisgarh. Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada are among the districts that have historically faced disruption during intense monsoon spells because of swollen rivers, streams and low-lying roads.

The region's terrain and extensive network of rivers and rivulets can make road connectivity particularly vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall. Similar flooding episodes have previously resulted in villages being cut off and prompted the deployment of boats and disaster-response teams. 

Emergency Teams on Alert

Authorities and emergency personnel are continuing to monitor the situation and respond to calls for assistance. Rescue operations are being prioritised in areas where residents have been stranded because of rising water levels.

Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas are expected to remain cautious and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or other waterlogged stretches. Such crossings can become dangerous because water currents may be stronger than they appear and road surfaces may be damaged or submerged.

Connectivity Remains a Concern

The disruption in Sukma and rescue operations in Bijapur highlight the challenges faced by remote communities during periods of intense rainfall. When roads are submerged, access to hospitals, markets and administrative centres can be disrupted, making timely emergency response more difficult.

For now, rescue and relief efforts remain focused on affected pockets, while authorities continue to assess the impact of the rainfall across Bastar.

The situation remains dependent on rainfall and water levels, with further deterioration possible if heavy rain persists.

A fresh rescue operation was launched in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday to trace a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old youth who were swept away in separate river incidents on Nag Panchami. Both went missing after being caught in strong currents in the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers on Monday evening. SDRF teams searched for them through Tuesday but could not locate either of them. The operation was stopped after darkness and resumed the next morning.

The first incident took place near Itar in the Gudh police station area, where 14-year-old Shiva Rawat, son of Pradhan Rawat and a resident of Ganganiva in Deotalab, fell into the Bichhiya River. According to the information available, Shiva had reached the riverbank on Nag Panchami and was crossing a bridge when he reportedly lost his footing and fell into the swollen river. The current was strong, and he was swept away before anyone could reach him.

The second incident was reported from Chilla Ghat in the Teonthar area. Eighteen-year-old Sahil Ansari, son of Kamaluddin and a resident of Kharra Tola in Mauganj, was bathing in the Tamas River with a friend when he was caught in the current. His companion managed to get out of the water, but Sahil was swept away. Information about the incident was subsequently given to the authorities, following which a search operation was launched.

SDRF teams conducted searches at both locations throughout Tuesday. The swollen rivers and strong currents made the operation difficult, with rescuers having to search different stretches of the waterways. Despite several hours of effort, there was no confirmed trace of either Shiva or Sahil. The search was called off after darkness because continuing the operation in low visibility and strong currents could have created additional risks for the rescue teams.

The search resumed on Wednesday morning. SDRF personnel and divers were deployed at the two rivers, with teams checking possible locations where the victims could have been carried by the current. The search is also being extended downstream based on the direction of the water flow.

Family members of both missing persons have been waiting for updates from the rescue teams. The exact locations where the two may have been carried remain unclear, and officials are continuing the search based on the river conditions and available information. The situation was still developing when the operation resumed, with teams expected to continue searching the affected stretches of the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers.

At least three workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district after water and debris entered the tunnel on Thursday evening. Sixteen workers have been rescued, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited's project site in the Pipalkoti area. Construction work at the site is being carried out by the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).

18–19 Workers Were Trapped

According to information released by the Uttarakhand government, around 18 to 19 workers were inside the tunnel when water and debris suddenly entered at around 7 pm.

Rescue teams initially managed to bring out eight workers. Another eight workers were subsequently rescued, taking the total number of people brought out safely to 16.

Officials said some of the rescued workers suffered minor injuries, but their condition was reported to be stable.

Rescue Operation Underway

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched to locate and evacuate the remaining workers.

Teams from the Uttarakhand Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other agencies reached the site shortly after receiving information about the incident.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Rudraprayag has also been sent to Pipalkoti. Teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army have been deployed to assist in the operation.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reached the site and is overseeing the rescue efforts.

CM Dhami Orders Swift Action

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the incident and directed officials to conduct rescue and relief operations on a priority basis.

Dhami said the government's foremost objective was to ensure the safe evacuation of every worker still believed to be inside the tunnel.

The chief minister said he was receiving real-time updates on the rescue operation and instructed the concerned agencies to work with urgency.

Chief Secretary Reviews Situation

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan said the administration had received information that several workers were trapped after water and debris entered the tunnel.

Officials are coordinating the response through multiple agencies as rescue personnel work to reach the remaining workers.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, said the situation was being continuously monitored through emergency operation centres.

He added that additional teams would be deployed if required.

Focus on Safe Evacuation

The priority for rescuers is to establish access to the section of the tunnel where the remaining workers are believed to be trapped and safely bring them out.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the exact cause of the sudden water and debris flow.

The incident has prompted the mobilisation of multiple disaster-response and security agencies as the rescue operation continues at the Pipalkoti project site.

One Dead, 172 Rescued after Ferry from Bali Catches Fire near Lombok

The passenger count exceeded the number recorded on the vessel’s manifest, raising fresh questions about ferry safety and enforcement in the Indonesian archipelago.

Indonesian rescue teams evacuated 172 people after a ferry travelling from Bali caught fire in the Lombok Strait early Wednesday, leaving one person dead and prompting a search for possible missing passengers.

The KM Putri Yasmin departed Padangbai port in Bali for Lembar port on Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara province. The fire was reported at about 4.39 am local time, according to the regional search-and-rescue agency.

By Wednesday afternoon, 172 survivors had been taken to ports in Bali and Lombok. One Indonesian passenger was confirmed dead. One of the rescued passengers was Australian, while the others were Indonesian.

More than 200 personnel and several vessels were deployed in the operation. Boats already in the area also assisted as passengers entered the water to escape the burning ferry.

Passenger manifest raises concern

Officials had not determined how the fire started. It was also unclear whether overcrowding contributed to the emergency.

An official at Padangbai port told Indonesian television that the ferry’s manifest listed only 114 passengers and 17 crew members. The number rescued was already higher than that combined figure, suggesting the official record may not have included everyone on board.

The discrepancy makes it difficult for rescue teams to establish whether people remain missing. A reliable passenger list is critical after an accident because it tells authorities how many people must be accounted for and helps families obtain information.

Investigators are expected to examine ticketing records, boarding procedures, crew statements, fire-safety equipment and the condition of the vessel. They will also need to determine where the fire began and whether passengers received timely evacuation instructions.

Second deadly ferry fire in less than a month

The incident occurred less than a month after the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire near Madura island, killing five people. That vessel was also reported to have been carrying more people than were shown on its manifest.

Indonesia consists of about 17,000 islands and relies heavily on ferries. Sea travel is often cheaper and more accessible than flying, especially for residents transporting vehicles, goods and livestock between islands.

The size of the network makes consistent safety enforcement difficult. Indonesia has suffered repeated maritime accidents linked to overcrowding, bad weather, ageing vessels and weak compliance with passenger-record and maintenance rules.

Bali and Lombok are among the country’s best-known tourist destinations. Thousands of international travellers use ferries and fast boats between the islands, meaning the accident may renew scrutiny of safety practices on popular tourist routes.

Indian tourists visiting Indonesia should use registered operators, retain ticket information and pay attention to the location of life jackets and emergency exits. Travellers should also avoid boarding if a vessel appears overcrowded or if sea conditions are unsafe.

The immediate priority is to account for everyone who may have been on the ferry. The difference between the manifest and the number rescued means authorities cannot rely on paperwork alone and may need to gather names from survivors, relatives and ticket sellers.

The casualty figure could change as the search continues. Any update on missing passengers, injuries or the cause of the fire should be added before publication.

At least five people were killed after a landslide struck a residential area in Mumbai's Ghatkopar early Wednesday morning, while rescue teams continued an intensive search for people feared trapped beneath the debris.

The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, according to information shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade. A portion of a hillside collapsed, sending debris onto two to three houses in the densely populated area.

Five People Killed

Officials said five people had died in the incident. Four to five others were initially feared trapped under the rubble as rescue teams began clearing the collapsed material.

The operation involves personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Specialised victim-detection cameras are being used to search the debris for signs of life, allowing rescuers to inspect areas that cannot be accessed immediately through conventional methods.

Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams have been working through the debris while authorities assess the stability of the affected hillside and surrounding structures.

Officials said the exact number of people trapped could not immediately be confirmed. DCP Ganesh Shinde said three to four people were suspected to remain trapped beneath the debris as the operation continued.

The bodies recovered from the site were sent to a hospital for further procedures. Police said further legal action and investigation would follow.

Two Injured in Hospital

Two people injured in the landslide were taken to hospital and were reported to be stable.

They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury.

Medical teams are continuing to monitor their condition.

Civic Officials Visit Site

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne visited the affected location in Ghatkopar to assess the situation and review the rescue operation.

Tawde also announced financial assistance of ₹3 lakh for the families of those who died in the landslide. The assistance will be provided through the District Collector's Office.

Authorities are coordinating the rescue effort while continuing to assess the condition of nearby houses and the surrounding hillside.

Investigation to Follow

The landslide has raised concerns over safety in the densely populated hillside settlement, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of slope failures.

Police and civic authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse and assess whether any structural or environmental factors contributed to the incident.

For now, the priority remains locating anyone who may still be trapped and completing the rescue operation safely.

 British and French rescue teams saved 157 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel after their overcrowded boat caught fire near the maritime boundary between the two countries on Tuesday, marking one of the largest rescue operations since official records began in 2018.

According to French authorities, the vessel caught fire after departing from Veules-les-Roses in Normandy en route to the United Kingdom. The blaze forced dozens of passengers to jump into the water before emergency responders from both countries launched a coordinated rescue mission.

Officials from the Pas-de-Calais prefecture confirmed that no fatalities or serious injuries were reported in the incident. Rescue vessels recovered all 157 migrants safely, preventing what could have become one of the deadliest Channel crossings in recent years.

Boat Caught Fire Midway

Authorities said the small boat caught fire near the maritime boundary separating French and British waters. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

French maritime services responded immediately after receiving distress alerts, while British rescue agencies also joined the operation as the incident unfolded close to UK territorial waters.

Officials described the rescue as one of the largest coordinated operations carried out in the Channel since systematic records of migrant crossings were introduced in 2018.

Channel Route Remains Migration Hotspot

The English Channel continues to be one of Europe's busiest and most dangerous migration routes. Thousands of migrants attempt the crossing every year by paying human smuggling networks to transport them in overcrowded inflatable boats.

According to official figures, more than 41,000 migrants reached the United Kingdom through the Channel route last year, making it the second-highest annual total since records began.

French authorities said the average number of people aboard each boat has increased sharply in recent years. While migrant boats carried around 26 passengers in 2021, the average has now risen to approximately 65 people per vessel, increasing safety risks during crossings.

Smuggling Networks Under Scrutiny

Investigators say organised smuggling gangs continue to profit by charging migrants thousands of dollars for the dangerous sea journey.

Witnesses have reported that boats used by traffickers have become significantly larger, with some stretching up to 12 metres in length compared with the earlier average of 8 to 10 metres. Despite their larger size, authorities warn that the vessels remain unsafe for rough Channel conditions.

Fatal Crossings Continue

The latest rescue comes amid continuing concerns over migrant safety in the English Channel.

Official data shows 29 migrants died while attempting the crossing in 2025, while at least 14 deaths have already been recorded this year. Search-and-rescue operations have become increasingly frequent as authorities struggle to prevent overcrowded boats from leaving the French coastline.

Migration Debate Intensifies in UK

The rescue also comes at a politically sensitive time as illegal migration remains a major issue in British politics.

The opposition Reform UK party has recently proposed deploying the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats and escort them back to France. The party has also suggested that British commandos could be deployed on French beaches if necessary to prevent departures, a proposal that has been rejected by French officials as a violation of national sovereignty and international law.

British and French governments continue to cooperate on border security, surveillance and anti-smuggling operations, although migrant crossings across the Channel remain at historically high levels.

At least five people drowned and two others were swept away in separate incidents as heavy rain swelled rivers and streams across Chhattisgarh. Rescue teams launched searches while local administrations urged residents to stay away from flooded crossings and water bodies.

Rain Raises Water Levels

Continuous rainfall has increased river flow and made familiar bathing spots, causeways and village crossings dangerous. Fast currents can develop without warning, particularly downstream from catchment areas receiving intense rain.

Search Operations Continue

Police, disaster-response teams and local volunteers have joined rescue efforts in affected districts. Poor visibility, strong currents and rising water levels can delay searches, especially in remote stretches without easy road access.

Preventable Monsoon Tragedies

Many drowning incidents occur when people attempt to cross overflowing roads, enter rivers for bathing or fishing, or underestimate current speed. Even shallow-looking water can sweep away people and vehicles when the flow is strong.

Administration Issues Appeal

Authorities have asked families to prevent children from approaching rivers and ponds during heavy rain. Barricades, warning boards and temporary closure of unsafe crossings will remain essential until water levels fall.

 A 30-year-old man from Indore was swept away by the strong currents of the Narmada River while taking a bath at the Sahastradhara Ghat in Maheshwar on Sunday evening. The incident, captured on video, unfolded in front of his wife and brother, who cried for help as the victim disappeared into the fast-flowing river within seconds.

The missing man has been identified as Arpit Hada, a resident of Nipania in Indore. Search operations, involving police, SDRF personnel, Home Guard teams and local divers, resumed early Monday after rescue efforts on Sunday were suspended due to darkness.

Family Trip Ends in Tragedy

According to police, Arpit had travelled to Maheshwar with five family members for a weekend outing. After visiting the famous Maheshwar temples, the family reached Sahastradhara in Jalkoti between 4 pm and 5 pm.

While bathing in the river, Arpit reportedly slipped on the rocky riverbed and was pulled into deeper waters by the strong current.

His wife and brother immediately raised an alarm and appealed to nearby tourists and boatmen for help. However, due to the swift current, deep water and rocky terrain, no one could safely enter the river. Within moments, Arpit was swept downstream and disappeared from sight.

Video Captures the Incident

A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the young man struggling against the powerful current before being swept away. The footage also captures the desperate cries of his family members as bystanders watched helplessly.

The video has since gone viral on social media, once again highlighting the dangers posed by strong river currents during the monsoon season.

Rescue Teams Continue Search

Maheshwar Police, Home Guard personnel and local divers launched a rescue operation immediately after receiving information about the incident.

Search teams combed various deep pools and stretches of the river until late Sunday evening but could not locate the missing man. The operation was halted after nightfall and resumed at 6 am on Monday, with SDRF teams using boats to search downstream.

Officials said the search operation is continuing, but no trace of Arpit had been found at the time of filing this report.

Father Recalls Son's Last Words

Arpit's father, Amar Singh Hada, said his son had left Indore with family members around 1 pm on Sunday.

"He only told us that he was going out and would return soon. He never mentioned that he was visiting Maheshwar," he said.

The grieving father added that Arpit operated his own business under the name Jaivik Poshan All India. He had been married for nearly five years and is survived by his wife Pooja and their three-year-old son.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

Police have warned tourists and devotees against entering unfamiliar or deep sections of the Narmada River, especially during the monsoon when water levels and currents increase significantly.

The Station House Officer said Sahastradhara is known for its strong flow, rocky surface and deep water, making it one of the most dangerous bathing spots during the rainy season.

Fourth Such Incident in Three Months

Officials said this is the fourth drowning or river-current-related incident reported in the Sahastradhara-Narmada stretch over the past three months. Similar accidents were recorded on May 11, June 10 and June 27.

Following the repeated incidents, SDM Purva Mandloi said a proposal would be sent to senior authorities seeking permanent deployment of trained divers and additional police personnel in the area to improve safety and emergency response.

The administration has urged visitors to strictly follow safety advisories and avoid entering rivers during periods of heavy rainfall and strong currents.

A Vietnamese cargo vessel sank in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, leaving 23 crew members missing, while rescue teams continue a large-scale search operation involving Chinese and Vietnamese authorities.

The cargo ship, Khoi Nguyen 18, was carrying 62 Vietnamese nationals when it encountered trouble near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. According to Reuters, 39 people have been rescued, while efforts remain underway to locate the remaining crew members.

Distress Signal Triggered Rescue

Authorities in China's Hainan province said a distress flare from the vessel was detected on Saturday evening by the Chinese rescue ship Nanhai Jiu 115, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue mission.

Multiple rescue assets have since been deployed, including six Chinese vessels, one rescue helicopter, and a Vietnamese rescue vessel, to comb the waters surrounding the accident site.

Cause of Sinking Still Unknown

The Vietnamese-registered cargo ship measures nearly 70 metres in length and has a gross tonnage of 999 tonnes. Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the sinking, and investigations are expected to begin once rescue operations conclude.

Authorities are currently prioritising efforts to locate the missing crew members amid challenging maritime conditions.

Incident in a Sensitive Maritime Zone

The accident occurred near Fiery Cross Reef, part of the Spratly Islands, one of the world's most disputed maritime regions. China refers to the island chain as the Nansha Islands and claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea.

The region has remained a geopolitical flashpoint due to overlapping territorial claims by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Recent Tensions in the South China Sea

The sinking comes just days after renewed tensions between Chinese and Philippine forces in the South China Sea.

The Philippine military accused the Chinese Coast Guard of confronting Filipino personnel near the Second Thomas Shoal, where the grounded naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre serves as a military outpost. China disputed the allegation, claiming Philippine personnel initiated the confrontation.

The South China Sea is one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes and is believed to contain significant reserves of oil and natural gas, making it strategically important for regional and global shipping.

Search operations for the missing crew members are continuing.

A massive landslide at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district has claimed the lives of 10 construction workers, while 17 others remain trapped more than 24 hours after the incident. Rescue operations are continuing under challenging conditions as suspected methane gas leaks and heavy debris have significantly slowed efforts to reach those still inside the tunnel.

According to Namchi Superintendent of Police Sonam Dolma, rescue teams recovered 10 bodies by Tuesday, while three victims are yet to be identified. The deceased belonged to West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Sikkim. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the number of trapped workers could change as rescue operations progress.

PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia for Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Injured workers will receive ₹50,000 as financial assistance.

The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed hope for the safe rescue of those still trapped inside the tunnel.

President Murmu, Amit Shah Express Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as deeply tragic and extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

In a message posted on X, she said she was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy rescue and safe evacuation of the remaining workers, along with the quick recovery of those injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the rescue operations and assured all possible assistance from the Centre.

Methane Gas Leak Hampers Rescue Operations

The landslide struck the Samardung Tunnel in the Mamring area of Namchi district at around 3:40 pm on Monday, causing a massive cave-in and completely blocking the tunnel entrance.

District Collector Anupa Tamling said rescue efforts have become extremely difficult due to the accumulation of debris and the possibility of a methane gas leak inside the tunnel.

Several rescue personnel reportedly experienced dizziness, while some fainted during operations because of poor air quality, forcing authorities to adopt additional safety measures before continuing the rescue mission.

Special Rescue Teams Deployed

The rescue operation involves personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police, and fire services. A specialized rescue team equipped with gas-proof protective equipment has also been brought from West Bengal to strengthen the operation.

Officials believe that the trapped workers include 21 employees of Patel Engineering and six workers associated with NHPC. Ambulances and medical teams remain stationed at the site to provide immediate treatment once survivors are rescued.

Tunnel Part of Major Hydropower Project

The collapsed tunnel was under construction for the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project, being executed by Patel Engineering.

Authorities said the immediate priority remains reaching the trapped workers safely despite hazardous conditions inside the tunnel, including confined spaces, poor visibility, unstable debris, and the suspected presence of methane gas.

Rescue teams continue to work around the clock as hopes remain that those still trapped can be evacuated safely.

The death toll in the Bay of Bengal fishing trawler tragedy rose to nine after rescue teams recovered multiple bodies from a sunken vessel off the coast of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, eight days after it went missing. Authorities said six fishermen remain untraceable, with search operations continuing in the region.

The trawler, Jai Maa Kali, had left Shankarpur fishing harbour in East Midnapore district on July 2 with 15 fishermen on board. Contact with the vessel was lost after July 6, prompting a large-scale search involving the Indian Coast Guard, police and local fishing communities.

Bodies Recovered From Sunken Vessel

After an extensive eight-day search, the sunken trawler was located near Bagher Char, around 35 kilometres off the Bakkhali coast, on Saturday.

Officials said the vessel was brought to the Sitarampur coast in Patharpratima on Sunday with assistance from several fishing boats. Rescue personnel then carried out an overnight operation, recovering nine bodies trapped inside the trawler.

Authorities said the bodies had remained underwater for several days and were in an advanced state of decomposition, making visual identification impossible.

DNA Testing To Confirm Identity

Officials confirmed that the identities of the deceased will be established through DNA testing.

Family members of the missing fishermen have gathered outside the Kakdwip Sub-divisional Hospital mortuary, awaiting confirmation of the victims' identities.

The prolonged exposure to seawater has complicated forensic identification, officials said.

Six Fishermen Still Missing

Rescue teams continue to search for the remaining six missing fishermen, with support from the Indian Coast Guard and local authorities.

Among those yet to be traced are three brothers from Odisha's Balasore district—Ravindra Majhi (52), Jayaram Majhi (49) and Jagannath Majhi (45).

According to a family member, the three brothers had regularly travelled to Shankarpur for fishing assignments over the years.

Officials also revealed that although 16 fishermen were initially scheduled to board the trawler, one individual did not join the voyage, reducing the final crew strength to 15.

The remaining missing and deceased fishermen belong to East Midnapore, Howrah and Nadia districts of West Bengal.

Bad Weather Suspected

Preliminary findings suggest the trawler may have capsized due to adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal.

However, authorities have said the exact cause of the accident will only be determined after the completion of a detailed investigation into the sinking.

PM Announces Ex-Gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives.

Search and recovery operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing fishermen and complete the investigation into the incident.