A man from Odisha’s Bhadrak district, who was stranded in Nepal during the devastating flash floods, has safely returned home and recounted the terrifying experience that left him fearing for his life and worrying about the safety of his family.
Ramesh Das, a resident of Nalgunda village under Chandbali block, had travelled to Nepal on August 21. What was supposed to be a holiday, however, turned into a frightening struggle for survival after massive flash floods struck several areas of the country.
‘I Can Never Forget What I Saw In Nepal’
After returning to Bhadrak, Das said the scenes he witnessed during the disaster would remain etched in his memory for the rest of his life.
“I can never forget what I saw in Nepal in my lifetime,” he said, recalling the moments when floodwaters began advancing rapidly.
According to Das, he was travelling in a bus along with a group of 51 people when the situation suddenly became dangerous. As the group attempted to move towards safety, floodwaters could be seen rushing behind vehicles on the road.
The frightening scenes triggered panic among the passengers, with several people breaking down and crying as they realised how quickly the situation was deteriorating.
Army Stopped Their Journey Towards Kathmandu
Das said the group was travelling towards Kathmandu when army personnel stopped them because of the worsening situation.
The travellers were subsequently forced to turn back as the disaster disrupted normal movement and made travel increasingly unsafe.
During their journey, Das said they witnessed extensive destruction caused by the floods. Hundreds of bodies were reportedly seen along the route, while houses, buses, trucks and other vehicles had been swept away by the powerful floodwaters.
The scale of devastation left the group deeply traumatised.
‘I Feared I Would Never See My Family Again’
One of the most difficult aspects of the ordeal was the inability to contact his family.
Das said there was no mobile network in the affected area, leaving him unable to tell his family that he was safe.
“I am not happy at all, despite having travelled to Nepal to enjoy the trip,” Das said, explaining that his thoughts turned towards his family as the situation worsened.
For a moment, he feared that he might never return home or see his loved ones again.
The group eventually managed to find shelter inside a hotel while the disaster continued outside. They remained there amid uncertainty before arrangements could be made for their return.
Emotional Reunion At Bhadrak Railway Station
After surviving the ordeal and making his way back to Odisha, Das arrived at Bhadrak railway station, where he met his younger brother.
The reunion was an emotional moment for the family after days of uncertainty and fear.
Das’s experience highlights the dangers faced by tourists and travellers caught in the sudden flash floods, particularly in areas where communication networks and road connectivity were severely disrupted.
His account also reflects the fear and helplessness experienced by those who found themselves trapped amid rapidly rising floodwaters and widespread destruction.
For Das, the journey that began as a trip to Nepal became an experience he says he will never forget.
