The Nepal flash floods triggered concern in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, with the DMK, AIADMK and other opposition parties seeking details on the efforts to trace and rescue Tamil pilgrims stranded in the Himalayan country. The state government said rescue operations were underway in coordination with Nepal authorities and that steps were being taken to facilitate the safe return of those affected. 

The issue was raised through an attention-calling motion as legislators sought updates on the status of travellers caught in the devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district. The incident has left families in Tamil Nadu waiting for information about relatives who travelled to Nepal for the Kailash pilgrimage.

Opposition Seeks Rescue Updates

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin sought details on the number of calls received through government helplines and the steps being taken to trace people who remain unreachable. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also urged the government to ensure that all affected Tamil travellers are brought back safely.

Congress members called for the deployment of a helicopter to support rescue efforts and stressed the need for better advance warnings about disaster risks at tourist and pilgrimage destinations. PMK members also sought clarity on the status of those whose whereabouts remained unknown. 

The Assembly discussion followed reports that a group of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry pilgrims was caught in flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal.

57 Pilgrims Caught in Floods

According to information presented during the Assembly proceedings, 54 people from 10 districts of Tamil Nadu and three people from Puducherry had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Yatra, taking the total to 57.

Earlier reports said 20 members of the group had been traced and were safe, while the whereabouts of the remaining 37 were still being established. The travellers had reportedly reached Nepal through a Kumbakonam-based travel agency. 

The situation has caused anxiety among families, particularly in the Kumbakonam and Thanjavur region, where relatives have been seeking updates about those travelling in the affected group.

Government Details Rescue Efforts

Tamil Nadu Minister A Rajmohan told the Assembly that the state government was taking necessary measures to assist stranded Tamils and was coordinating with the Nepal government for search and rescue operations.

The government has also been collecting information about the travellers and coordinating with relevant authorities to establish their locations and facilitate their return. A control room has been established at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to assist affected people and their families.

The minister said the state had received 937 calls through its assistance mechanism as families sought information about those travelling in Nepal. 

Helplines Activated for Families

Tamil Nadu authorities have established 24-hour helplines for stranded Tamils and their relatives. The state government's Department of Non-Resident Tamils Welfare has provided separate contact arrangements for callers within India and those contacting the authorities from abroad. 

The helpline mechanism is intended to help families receive updates and provide authorities with information that could assist in tracing missing or stranded travellers.

Difficult Rescue Conditions

Rescue operations in Nepal are being carried out under challenging conditions following severe flooding in the Bhote Koshi river system. Damaged roads, difficult terrain and disrupted communication networks have complicated efforts to reach affected areas and establish contact with travellers. 

The flash floods have caused extensive damage in parts of Nepal, with both local residents and foreign travellers affected. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate missing people and move stranded groups to safer locations.

For families in Tamil Nadu, the immediate concern remains confirmation of the safety of those whose whereabouts are still unclear. The state government has said it will continue coordination with Nepal authorities as rescue operations progress and further information becomes available.