Karnataka steps up rescue for Kannadigas stranded in Nepal floods; 17 still untraced

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has stepped up emergency efforts to assist Kannadigas stranded in Nepal after severe flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain. The Bhotekoshi river burst through villages in Rasuwa district, and movement along the Nepal–Tibet border has been cut.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has spoken to Kannadigas stranded in Nepal and enquired about their safety. Briefing reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, he said information on at least 17 people from Karnataka was still not available.

“We are tracing people. Many are not tracked. 17 persons’ information we need to get; it is not available. We are working 24×7. A few are in touch and are speaking to their families. Their details will be released soon,” the Chief Minister said.

Mallinath, a resident of Kalaburagi district who survived the floods, spoke to the Chief Minister on a video call. “Sir, you can’t imagine. If we have survived and come back, we can’t explain it in words. Two buses that were ahead of us by 10 minutes are missing,” he said, adding that those buses carried tourists from West Bengal. Shivakumar asked him to stay safe and not take any hasty decisions.

Officials are coordinating a safe return through Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi and Bengaluru, and with Union ministers. Rescue and evacuation are being worked with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Indian mission in Beijing. The Chief Minister said the state could not operate independently in a foreign country and would work unitedly with the authorities concerned.

To collect details of stranded Kannadigas, the Revenue Department has opened a State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) helpline and a Google Form. Tour operators, family members and stranded persons have been asked to fill in particulars so they can be contacted for rescue.

Helpline: 1070 / 080-22253707
Email: seockarnataka@gmail.com

For families in Tumakuru district

With the flood situation remaining serious, anxiety has risen among Kannadigas in Nepal and their families at home. Households in Tumakuru district whose relatives travelled for pilgrimage, trekking or work should call the SEOC with name, passport number, tour operator and last known location. The state government said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide all necessary assistance.

Key points

• Helpline: 1070 / 080-22253707 (24×7)
• Email: seockarnataka@gmail.com
• CM: details of 17 Kannadigas still awaited
• Google Form: families, operators and stranded persons to submit details
• Coordination: Indian Embassy, MEA, Karnataka Bhavan

What happens next

“We will unitedly take up the work of bringing them back to the state,” the Chief Minister said. Names will be released as information is confirmed. Tumakuru Live will keep this report updated.