Tamil Nadu Launches Rescue for Pilgrims in Nepal Floods

Flash floods and mudslides along the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal's Rasuwa district have left nearly 400 people dead and more than 1,300 missing. The disaster caused widespread infrastructure collapse in mountainous regions, complicating rescue efforts for hundreds of tourists and pilgrims.

C Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, launched an emergency operation to assist state residents stranded or missing during the Manasarovar and Kailash Yatra. He appointed Resident Commissioner Ashish Kumar to lead a delegation to Kathmandu to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and local authorities. Additionally, four cabinet ministers established a command center at the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to manage evacuation logistics with the Ministry of External Affairs.

Reports on the number of affected residents vary, with figures ranging from 57 to 106 people from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. While 20 pilgrims have been rescued, many remain missing, including 80 individuals associated with the Isha Foundation and former Madras High Court judge Sivagnanam. The crisis sparked political disputes in the State Assembly over the speed of the government's response.

International leaders have expressed solidarity with Nepal. Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued statements of condolence as rescue teams continue to search for survivors in remote areas.