21 Kailash Yatra Bound Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Rescued From Flood-Hit Nepal

New Delhi: Amid a severe regional weather crisis along the Nepal-Tibet border, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu have been successfully rescued in Nepal. The citizens had traveled to the region as part of the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.  

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on X. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities navigate widespread disruptions caused by heavy downpours and sudden flooding.  

The Gyirong Flash Flood Disaster

The rescue operations follow a grim alert raised by spiritual leader Sadhguru regarding a catastrophic flash flood that struck Gyirong town in Tibet. According to initial reports, a massive surge of water completely inundated the local immigration center building and swamped large swathes of the border town.

At the time of the disaster, a group of 77 pilgrims participating in the Kailash Sojourn were stationed at the immigration office while returning from the pilgrimage.  

"A terrible and tragic flash flood has taken place at Gyirong in Tibet, China, and one of our Kailash groups was caught in it," Sadhguru wrote in a statement on X.

The pilgrimage initiative, comprising 21 distinct groups, has been heavily impacted by the regional weather crisis affecting both Tibet and neighboring Nepal.

"There has been no official information on the whereabouts of any of the people who were at the immigration office."  

Current Status of Pilgrims

The regional crisis, impacting both Tibet and neighboring Nepal, has affected multiple groups participating in the pilgrimage initiative. Sharing a detailed status breakdown of the travelers, Sadhguru noted: "495 people have already returned safely. 743 people are currently in Tibet, 148 people are in Nepal, and 77 people were at the immigration center, and 3 volunteers in Timure, Nepal."

Sadhguru added that support teams and volunteers are closely coordinating with local authorities to access the disaster zone and assist in search efforts despite hazardous conditions. Meanwhile, the Indian government and local missions continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all stranded citizens in the Himalayan region.