Devastating floods in Nepal disrupted travel routes, leaving Tamil Nadu pilgrims stranded and families anxiously waiting for updates on their safety (Img: X)
New Dehi: Families in Tamil Nadu are facing anxious hours after a group of pilgrims travelling towards Tibet was caught in the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal.
The pilgrims, who belong to Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, were travelling in three buses when the disaster unfolded in the flood-affected region. Since then, relatives have been desperately waiting for updates about the safety of their loved ones.
The communication breakdown in the affected areas has added to the worries, with families struggling to establish direct contact with the pilgrims.
At the office of Super Yathra, the travel agency that organised the journey, families gathered hoping for any information about the pilgrims.
Relatives have been making repeated attempts to contact the group, but damaged communication networks and difficult conditions on the ground have made it challenging.
The wait for confirmation has left many families distressed as they look for news about their loved ones.
The pilgrims were travelling towards Tibet when flash floods struck the region. According to officials, the convoy was affected during the sudden disaster, leaving authorities scrambling to collect information.
Super Yathra owner Sadiq Ali said some members of the group have been confirmed safe, while efforts are underway to trace others.
"Rescue officials have informed us that 20 members are safe. They will be brought back once weather conditions improve," he said.
Kumbakonam officials said intermittent communication has made it difficult to get complete information from the affected area.
Kumbakonam Tahsildar Poongodi said, "57 people had gone in three buses. The first bus crossed safely. There was a loud noise when the second and third buses crossed. We are trying to establish contact with everyone."
Officials said information is being collected as communication links become available.
The Tamil Nadu government has started efforts to coordinate with central agencies and authorities in Nepal to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Chief Minister Vijay expressed concern over reports of Tamil Nadu residents being caught in the Nepal disaster and directed officials to speed up rescue and relief efforts.
Officials at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi have also been instructed to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Nepal.
Authorities have started arrangements to provide assistance and updates to families seeking information about the pilgrims.
The focus remains on establishing contact with all members of the group and ensuring their safe return.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continue across flood-hit parts of Nepal, where heavy damage has been reported due to flash floods.
Teams are working in difficult conditions as several affected areas remain cut off because of damaged roads and communication networks.
The safety of the Tamil Nadu pilgrims remains a priority as officials continue efforts to bring back confirmed information from the disaster zone.
Location : New Delhi
Published : 27 August 2026, 10:42 AM IST
