Maharashtra Tracks 114 Stranded Tourists in Flood-Hit Nepal

The Maharashtra government has intensified its efforts to locate and assist tourists from the state who are stranded in flood-hit Nepal. As of Thursday, at least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in Nepal, with 53 confirmed to be safe.

The state government is maintaining close coordination with the Centre to overcome the challenges posed by disrupted communication networks and road connectivity in Nepal. Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan stated that the state government is in continuous contact with the Union government and is working to establish contact with all Maharashtra tourists.

So far, contact has been established with four tourists, who have been confirmed to be safe. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also held a video call with people from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal, reassuring them that the government is working to assist them.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), around 61 Maharashtra tourists were travelling through Richa Tours Pvt Ltd, while others had travelled independently. Of those travelling through the tour operator, nearly 37 people in one vehicle were confirmed safe in the Saga Mansarovar area.

Several Maharashtra tourists are located at three separate places in Nepal, with many having undertaken the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The road to Kathmandu is reportedly closed, and authorities are coordinating efforts to move tourists towards the nearest safe and accessible locations.

Vinita Vaid Singal, Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said the state is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Home Ministry, which are coordinating efforts to trace Indian citizens in Nepal. The state government is also contacting private travel operators that regularly take tourists from Maharashtra to Nepal.

The SEOC has asked all district collectors to compile information about residents from their respective districts who may have travelled to Nepal recently. The state government has activated a helpline to assist relatives of the stranded tourists.

The situation in Nepal remains critical, with the death toll rising to 359 and 910 people reported missing. The state government's efforts to assist the stranded tourists are ongoing, with a focus on establishing contact with all those affected and providing necessary assistance.

The Maharashtra government's swift response to the crisis is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens stranded in Nepal. The government's coordination with the Centre and private travel operators is crucial in tracing the tourists and providing them with the necessary support.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's efforts to track and assist the stranded tourists in Nepal are a testament to its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The situation remains challenging, but the government's proactive approach is expected to yield positive results in the coming days.

The crisis in Nepal serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster management and the need for coordinated efforts to respond to such situations. The Maharashtra government's response to the crisis is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that all the stranded tourists will be safely evacuated soon.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Maharashtra government will likely face new challenges in its efforts to assist the stranded tourists. However, with its proactive approach and coordination with the Centre, the state government is well-equipped to handle the situation and ensure the safe return of its citizens.

In the meantime, relatives of the stranded tourists are advised to remain calm and contact the helpline activated by the state government for assistance. The government's efforts to establish contact with all the tourists and provide them with necessary support are ongoing, and it is expected that the situation will be brought under control soon.

The Maharashtra government's response to the crisis in Nepal is a reflection of its commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens. The state government's efforts to assist the stranded tourists are a testament to its proactive approach to disaster management, and it is hoped that all the tourists will be safely evacuated soon.