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Tamil Nadu pilgrims return home after a miraculous escape from Nepal floods that swept away two buses carrying devotees (Img: X)
Chennai: For 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, reaching home after the Nepal flood disaster felt like getting a second chance at life. What began as a spiritual journey turned into a terrifying fight for survival when an avalanche-triggered flash flood struck their convoy in Nepal.
The survivors returned to Chennai on Friday, carrying memories of fear, uncertainty and a miraculous escape.
Also Read: Nepal Floods: 626 Dead, 2,478 Missing; Rescue Operations Halted as Heavy Rain Returns
Vijayabhuvaneshwari, one of the survivors, described the horrifying moment when the flood struck their convoy of three buses.
She said there was a loud explosion-like sound as the flash flood hit the vehicles. The buses in front and behind trapped their vehicle, leaving passengers with no option but to climb on top of the bus to save themselves.
The group later moved towards higher ground, where an Armed Reserve Police camp provided them shelter and assistance.
Recalling the terrifying moments, she said she never believed she would survive and was only thinking about her daughter.
நேபாளத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட வெள்ளப்பெருக்கிலிருந்து மீட்கப்பட்ட, தமிழ்நாட்டைச் சேர்ந்த 21 யாத்ரீகர்கள் அடங்கிய குழுவை வரவேற்றேன். அவர்களின் அனுபவங்களை நேரில் கேட்டறிந்தபோது நெகிழ்ச்சியடைந்தேன். இந்த மீட்பு நடவடிக்கையை மேற்கொண்ட நேபாள ராணுவம் (@NepaliArmyHQ) மற்றும் அந்நாட்டு அரசுக்கு… pic.twitter.com/X5n0Of8J2O
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2026
Another survivor, Kirubathiri, said the disaster changed her perspective on life and highlighted the impact of climate change.
Calling it a “new birth”, she said people often suffer because of environmental damage caused by others.
Senior citizen Vallinayaki described the force of the disaster as something unimaginable, comparing it to a volcanic eruption of concrete that swallowed everything in its path.
While some families celebrated the return of their loved ones, many others are still waiting for information.
Tamil Nadu authorities said around 400 people from the state may have travelled to Nepal during this period. So far, 140 people have been rescued and are safe, while several others remain untraceable.
A team of Tamil Nadu ministers has been sent to Delhi to coordinate with central agencies and help bring rescued pilgrims back home.
At Chennai airport, several families gathered hoping to receive news about missing relatives.
Some expressed concern over the lack of a verified list of rescued and missing people. Families said they wanted clear information from authorities regarding the status of their loved ones.
A petition has also been filed in the Madras High Court seeking details and action regarding Tamil Nadu pilgrims affected by the Nepal disaster.
As rescue operations continue in Nepal, the stories of survivors who returned home have emerged as moments of hope amid one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters.
