Nepal Floods: Eight AP Pilgrims Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify

Eight pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh are among those whose safety has come under concern after severe flooding in Nepal disrupted communication and rescue access in areas near the Nepal-China border. State and Central authorities have launched coordination efforts to trace the missing pilgrims and assist Indian nationals stranded in the disaster-hit region.

Among the Andhra Pradesh pilgrims reported missing are Chopparapu Ramesh Babu (53), Annadevara Venkatram (52), Annadevara Anagha (49) and Bala Subrahmanyam, a resident of Kuppam. Several others from the state are also believed to have been affected by the floods. Sashikumar Atluri and Rajyalakshmi Nimmagadda were last known to be near the Gyirong Immigration Centre, while Bhaskar Sastry and three others have been reported safe but remain stranded in flood-affected areas. Aparna Kakani was last reported safe on the evening of August 26.

The wider crisis has also affected hundreds of Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said communication had been lost with 288 Indians in Nepal, while around 200 people undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have sought evacuation. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, a large group linked to the Isha Foundation is also among those whose whereabouts have raised concern. Authorities have safely evacuated 21 people from Tamil Nadu, while some Indians are reportedly stranded on the Chinese side of the border.

The disappearance of Bala Subrahmanyam has caused particular anxiety in his hometown of Kuppam. His brother Srikant said the family had been unable to contact him after his mobile phone became unreachable. Bala Subrahmanyam had travelled with an Isha Foundation-linked group and was expected to return to Hyderabad on August 29. The family was later informed that the group had been near the Gyirong immigration area when flash floods struck.

The Andhra Pradesh government has now stepped up its response. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to identify residents from the state who may be stranded and ensure assistance and evacuation where necessary. The government is coordinating with the Centre, Indian diplomatic missions, authorities in Nepal and China, and travel agencies.

A special control room at AP Bhavan in New Delhi has also been activated to gather information and assist affected families. Meanwhile, rescue teams from the Nepal Army, police and Armed Police Force are continuing operations in the flood-hit region, supported by helicopters. India has also sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian relief material to Nepal aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.

Families seeking information about Andhra Pradesh residents in Nepal can contact the AP Bhavan control room at 011-23384016, 011-23387089, or via WhatsApp: 9059824101.