Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde contacted more than 80 tourists and residents from the state stranded in Nepal due to severe flash floods affecting the Himalayan region.
On Thursday, he held a video call with those affected to check on their well-being and the situation on the ground. Shinde assured that the Maharashtra administration is actively working to facilitate their safe and prompt evacuation.
Speaking earlier to reporters, Shinde described the floods in Nepal as “a very tragic and unfortunate event” and noted the full cooperation of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nepal. He stated, “Some people from Maharashtra are there. Our disaster management is in contact with those people… We will work to safely bring back those from Maharashtra who are stuck there…”
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Maharashtra reported that over 80 citizens are stranded based on preliminary data, with efforts ongoing to gather further information and provide assistance. Among them, 57 individuals were travelling with Richa Tours Pvt. Ltd. The SEOC is coordinating communication with the travel company regarding the affected passengers.
The SEOC has developed a web-based platform to collect details of stranded individuals, which has been circulated to all district authorities. District Magistrates have been instructed to verify the information to facilitate aid. A help desk has also been established for inquiries, supported by helpline numbers 9321587143, 1070, and 022-22027990 provided by the Maharashtra government.
To date, four individuals have been confirmed safe. Information collected by the SEOC will be shared with the Integrated Control Room – Emergency Response of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. The state government is maintaining contact with travel agencies and families of those affected to ensure necessary support.
Separately, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has reported that 389 bodies have been recovered and 977 people remain missing following the Bhote Koshi flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Their latest status update, released on Thursday, gathered data from the District Administration Office and Emergency Operation Centres and covers emergency and rescue operations related to the Bhote Koshi flood disaster.