Nepal Floods: 84 Tamil Nadu Pilgrims Untraced, 21 Return Home Safely

At least 84 people from Tamil Nadu who travelled to Nepal remain untraceable after devastating flash floods in the Himalayan country, even as state and central authorities intensify efforts to establish contact with those stranded and facilitate their return. Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna informed the state Assembly that 305 people from Tamil Nadu had travelled to Nepal. Of them, 220 have been confirmed safe, while contact has not yet been established with 84 people.

At least 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims have already returned safely to the state. The minister said 21 of the 57 people who travelled through Super Yathira agency in Kumbakonam have returned home. However, contact has not yet been established with 49 pilgrims who travelled through Chennai-based Mahadev Kailash Yathira agency. Several other travellers who went through different groups have been traced and confirmed safe, with some expected to return over the next two days.

The figures presented in the Assembly also contain a numerical discrepancy. If 305 people travelled from Tamil Nadu and 220 have been confirmed safe, the remaining number would be 85 rather than the 84 people listed as untraceable by the minister. The government has not publicly clarified the status of the additional person. Meanwhile, families across Tamil Nadu continue to wait for information as communication remains difficult in areas affected by the floods.

Also Read: Malaysia-based Vinosha Ravi Speaks Out After Being Mistaken For Tamil Nadu Minister Keerthana

In Chennai's Chromepet, young professional Niranjana is awaiting information about seven members of her family, including her parents, who travelled to Nepal through the Mahadev agency. She said her parents had completed their pilgrimage before the disaster but later travelled towards the Chinese border. The family has not received confirmation about their safety or whereabouts since their last communication, adding to concerns among relatives of other pilgrims whose locations remain unknown.

Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the Centre is coordinating with authorities in Tibet and China regarding people whose whereabouts have not been confirmed, following requests from affected families. The Tamil Nadu government has also offered to assist relatives of missing pilgrims who may need to travel to Nepal. The state administration is coordinating with central authorities to gather information and support rescue and repatriation efforts.

Chief Minister Vijay had earlier deputed a four-member ministerial team to Delhi to coordinate with the Centre over the rescue and return of Tamil Nadu pilgrims. The state government has also directed its Resident Commissioner in Delhi to travel to Nepal and accelerate efforts to trace those still missing. With several travellers already confirmed safe and others expected to return, authorities are continuing efforts to establish the whereabouts of the remaining pilgrims and provide their families with verified information.

Also Read: CPI(M) Leaders Attacked In Tamil Nadu, Party Demands Arrest Of All Accused