On Friday, an Indian pilgrim shared a harrowing tale of survival as he recalled the devastating flash floods in Nepal that nearly claimed his life. Hailing from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, he described the terrifying situation where floodwaters surged to just 100 meters away from him. “God helped me,” he said, expressing deep gratitude for his survival amid chaos.
The pilgrim, who has been in touch with local authorities, reported that approximately 250 Indians are still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the floods. “It was a very serious situation. The flood was just 100 meters from me,” he told ANI. He went on to express his appreciation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, state minister Nara Lokesh, and the local MLA for their support during this distressing time.
Reflecting on the calamity, he stated, “I am happy to be alive.” He also shared that the state’s leaders had reached out to him, offering their assistance.
The flash floods struck the Rasuwa district of Nepal, triggered by a massive chunk of ice breaking off from a nearby glacier. This sudden event created a torrent that overwhelmed the area quickly, leaving many stunned. One local customs officer described the scene saying, “It felt like a cyclone forming,” comparing it to the strong winds produced by a helicopter’s landing.
The officer was at work near Timure Bazaar, not far from the Tibet border, when the flooding began. Just an hour into his day, he and his colleagues were forced to flee to higher ground as the water surged rapidly towards them. “We initially thought it was an earthquake or rockfall,” he recalled, reflecting on the confusion that gripped the area.
Rajendra Dhungana, another customs officer, detailed his experience as he witnessed the powerful flood advance, describing its speed and the terrifying sounds accompanying it. “When we stepped outside, we saw the water rushing in with a loud, rumbling noise,” he shared. The sight of the cascading ice turning into water was alarming to all who witnessed it.
In an effort to aid those affected, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with 21 Indian pilgrims who were safely rescued by the Nepal Army during their Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Having returned to Delhi after their ordeal, they expressed their gratitude to the Nepali rescuers. Jaishankar noted that the Indian Embassy played a crucial role in facilitating their return from Kathmandu.
As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are working diligently to locate additional Indians still missing, with over 315 believed to be uncontacted. Roughly 85 individuals have been successfully rescued from various locations. The situation remains critical as efforts to ensure the safety of all those affected persist.
