Seven tourists from Bhadrak district of Odisha are among 51 people stranded in Nepal following devastating floods and landslides that disrupted normal life and created dangerous conditions in several areas.
The tourists had travelled to Nepal through a Kolkata-based travel agency operated by Kailash Biswal of Nalgunda panchayat in Chandbali block. The group included travellers from Chandbali in Bhadrak and Kerala.
Tourists Flee Lodge As Floodwaters Surge
The tourists were staying at a lodge near the Trishuli River when the situation suddenly worsened. Rising floodwaters and landslides created an immediate threat to their safety, forcing the group to leave the lodge and move towards a safer location.
The tourists reportedly travelled around 70 kilometres before taking shelter at the Mantamana temple. With the situation remaining difficult, Nepal Police and local authorities subsequently intervened and arranged their evacuation.
All 51 tourists were eventually evacuated using a ropeway and taken to Bhairahawa city, providing temporary relief after the group narrowly escaped the flood-affected area.
Seven Tourists From Bhadrak Await Return
After reaching Bhairahawa, the tourists were accommodated at a small lodge. The group is currently waiting for further arrangements to return to their respective destinations.
Of the 51 stranded tourists, seven are from Bhadrak district of Odisha, while the remaining members are from Kerala. Their families in India have been closely following developments and remain concerned about their safe return.
The tourists are now hoping that arrangements can be made soon for their journey back home as authorities continue to deal with the aftermath of the floods and landslides.
Tourist Recalls Frightening Experience
Kunal Das, one of the tourists, recalled the difficult situation faced by the group after the sudden rise in floodwaters. He said the tourists were initially unsure about how to respond to the crisis but received assistance from travel organiser Kailash Biswal.
According to Das, Biswal played an important role in helping the group move to safety and is now making efforts to facilitate their return to Odisha.
Das also expressed gratitude for the assistance provided during the crisis and said the group felt fortunate to have survived the dangerous situation. He invoked Lord Jagannath while praying for the safe return of all the stranded tourists.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by travellers as Nepal continues to grapple with severe flooding and landslides. For the tourists from Odisha and Kerala, the immediate priority remains completing their journey home safely.
