A 36-member group of Malayalis who were caught in the devastating flash floods in Nepal has safely returned to Kerala after a terrifying escape through landslide-hit and flooded areas.

The group had travelled around 100 kilometres from the Nepal border, crossed into India and reached Gorakhpur Airport in Uttar Pradesh, from where members returned home on separate flights.

Five members from Kasaragod travelled to Bengaluru before continuing their journey to Kerala by train, while the remaining members reached Nedumbassery Airport early Sunday.

The travellers described the flood as a horrifying, tsunami-like event and said a last-minute change in their plans and a stop at a temple may have helped save their lives.

Tour Turns Into Nightmare

The group was on a trip in Nepal during the Onam festive period when the disaster struck.

According to survivors, they were travelling towards Galtimunj when roads suddenly became inaccessible. They initially did not understand the seriousness of what was happening.

The situation changed rapidly as local residents began fleeing the area and vehicles were forced to stop.

The travellers later realised that the devastating disaster had occurred only about 500 metres away from their location.

What had started as a holiday trip quickly turned into a desperate fight to reach safety.

Temple Stop Saves Lives

One member of the group, Rajini, said a stop at a temple before continuing their journey may have proved crucial.

She said the group had been planning to move towards their next destination when roads were suddenly closed.

The travellers later learned that the disaster had struck extremely close to them.

Describing the experience as frightening, she said the group felt fortunate to have survived and expressed gratitude for being able to return home safely.

The unexpected delay at the temple effectively gave the group time to avoid the worst of the disaster.

‘Water Came Like Tsunami’

Another survivor, Pradeep Kumar, said the group initially did not understand what was happening.

Vehicles had stopped while local residents began running towards an area ahead of them.

When members of the group went to see what had happened, they witnessed a massive surge of water and debris.

Kumar said the scene reminded him of a tsunami, with water powerful enough to sweep away trees and buildings.

The group remained inside a bus for several hours before eventually having to walk through forested areas at night in search of safety.

They later received food and accommodation.

Group Trapped After Landslide

The travellers also faced another major danger when a landslide blocked their route.

After changing their travel plans to escape the flood zone, the group became trapped in a forest after darkness fell.

With roads damaged or blocked, reaching a safe location became difficult.

The group eventually managed to find assistance and secure accommodation during the night.

According to their accounts, the travel agency also helped move them to a safer location and arrange accommodation.

Safe Return to Kerala

After crossing into India, the group travelled towards Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

From there, members returned home on two separate flights.

Five members from Kasaragod travelled through Bengaluru and continued their journey by train.

The remaining 31 members reached Nedumbassery Airport around 2:30 am on Sunday, according to reports.

Their safe return brought relief to families who had been anxiously waiting for news amid the devastating disaster in Nepal.

Onam Trip Ends Safely

The group had been travelling during the Onam festive period and said none of them had expected to encounter such a disaster.

Survivors described the experience as one of the most frightening moments of their lives.

Renjitha, another member of the group, said nobody had expected such a disaster during a festive period like Onam.

She said the images of the destruction remained vivid and expressed gratitude for the group's survival.

For the travellers, the journey ended not with the usual memories of a holiday but with relief at having returned safely to their families.

Fresh Flood Warning in Nepal

Meanwhile, Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued a fresh public safety warning after reports of an increase in the sound and flow of the Bhote Koshi River.

Authorities urged residents and relief teams in downstream settlements to remain extremely cautious.

The warning covers areas around the Rasuwa riverbank and extends towards Nuwakot and Dhading, which were among the areas severely affected by the August 26 flash floods.

Emergency services and local administration units have been placed on alert as authorities monitor the river and surrounding areas.

Rescue Operations Continue

The latest warning comes as Nepal continues large-scale rescue and relief operations following the catastrophic floods and debris flows.

Thousands of people remain missing, while rescue teams continue searching affected settlements, river valleys and damaged infrastructure.

The disaster has also affected hydropower projects, roads and other critical infrastructure in the Himalayan region.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people, assist survivors and provide essential supplies to communities affected by the floods.