All 23 pilgrims stranded in Nepal returning home

 

The 23 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were successfully rescued from the site of landslide and floods at Kathmandu in Nepal. The State Government has mobilised necessary assistance for the pilgrims trapped due to flood and landslide. The group of pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh hailing from Jabalpur, Dindori, Mandla and Rewa districts were stuck in Kavre district of Nepal since September 27. They are being transported from Kathmandu to Sonouli border by road with the coordination of the Central and State Governments. Dr Rajesh Barahiya, Assistant Professor at Jabalpur Veterinary University, shared a photo on Wednesday morning showing all 23 pilgrims travelling in a vehicle from Kathmandu to Sonouli border.

 

He recounted that the journey from Friday to Tuesday felt like a nightmare, but they are now hopeful of returning home soon with the help of Nepalese and Indian governments. The pilgrims, hailing from Jabalpur, Rewa, Dindori and Mandla, travelled to Nepal on September 24 to visit the sacred site of Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. They were trapped due to sudden floods caused due to heavy rains during their visit to Nepal. Following this, the Madhya Pradesh pilgrims appealed to both the Central and State Governments for assistance, sharing videos of their plight on social media. With the combined efforts of the Indian and Nepal governments, arrangements were made to transport the group of pilgrims to Sonouli border, from where they will be taken to their respective places.

 

The group comprises 7 pilgrims from Dindori, 1 from Mandla, 7 from Jabalpur and 8 from Rewa. Dindori District Collector dispatched a team of officials to Uttar Pradesh to assist in the rescue works, while Jabalpur Collector has been in constant contact with the affected individuals. Dr Rakesh Barahiya from Jabalpur informed that they were badly trapped in floods on September 28 and were unable to escape. On Saturday and Sunday, Nepalese Army and local residents provided biscuits and bottled water to them. Dr Barahiya added that many people, including children and elderly, were suffering from illness due to the dire circumstances having been stranded for four days without adequate food or water. Fortunately, Nepalese Army arranged additional food supplies, which helped them survive the ordeal.