Nepal floods: Maharashtra steps up efforts to trace 67 citizens as 262 return home safely

The Maharashtra government is continuing efforts to trace and establish contact with 67 citizens from the state who remain unreachable following the devastating floods that struck the NepalTibet region on August 26 2026According to information provided by the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Department a total of 405 citizens from the state were affected by the disaster and subsequent disruption to travel and communication networksOf these 262 people have returned safely to their homes while authorities have established contact with another 76 citizens who have been reported safeEfforts are continuing to locate the remaining 67 people and coordinate their safe return to IndiaSpecial team deployed to assist stranded citizensAuthorities said a special team from the Central Government has arrived in Kathmandu to assist in efforts to trace affected Indian citizensThe Indian Ambassador to Nepal met the team and issued necessary instructions regarding the ongoing coordination and rescue effortsOfficials are working to establish contact with stranded citizens verify their safety and make arrangements for their return to India as travel and communication conditions permitThe Maharashtra government said it is coordinating with central authorities and other agencies to address difficulties faced by citizens affected by the floodsAccording to the government release the assistance efforts are being carried out following directions from Chief Minister Devendra FadnavisSixty tourists travelling with tour operator remain unreachableAuthorities have so far been unable to establish direct contact with a group of 60 Maharashtra citizens who had travelled through Richa Tours Pvt LtdIn addition seven other citizens who registered through an official link have also not yet been contactedAdministrative agencies are continuing efforts to identify their locations and gather information about their statusThe disruption caused by the floods has complicated efforts to reach people in affected areas particularly where roads communication networks and other infrastructure have been damagedAuthorities said efforts to trace those who remain unreachable are continuing through coordination with central agencies and Indian officials in NepalOver 260 citizens have already returned homeThe state government said 262 citizens from Maharashtra have returned home so farAnother 76 people are in contact with authorities and have been reported safe although arrangements for their onward journey may still be underwayOfficials said 69 more citizens from Maharashtra are expected to complete their onward journey and reach MumbaiOn the evening of August 29 37 citizens from Maharashtra arrived safely in Mumbai after travelling from Saga near Mansarovar in TibetSeparately 105 citizens have returned to Nagpur according to the state disaster management authoritiesThe figures indicate that a substantial number of people affected by the flooding have either returned to India or have established communication with authorities while efforts remain focused on those who cannot yet be contactedState government continues to monitor situationThe Chief Ministers Office and the state administration are continuously monitoring developments to ensure the safe return of affected tourists and other citizensThe State Disaster Management Department said it is coordinating with relevant government agencies to respond to the evolving situation and resolve travelrelated difficultiesThe August 26 floods caused widespread disruption in the NepalTibet region affecting transport routes and communication networks and leaving several Indian tourists and pilgrims strandedAuthorities have said that efforts will continue until contact is established with all affected citizens from Maharashtra and arrangements are made for their safe returnIn this difficult situation created by the flood conditions the State Disaster Management Department is coordinating with relevant agencies to take necessary action for the safe return of stranded citizens the government release saidWith inputs from IANS