27 August,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Nearly 80 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in flood-hit Nepal, though the figure remains preliminary and could change as authorities continue to collect and verify information, officials said on Thursday.
According to a report issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Thursday morning, 57 of those believed to be stranded had travelled through a tour agency, while the remaining tourists were travelling independently.
So far, four Maharashtra residents have been reported safe, officials said.
Flash floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday caused widespread devastation across three districts, leaving at least 165 people dead and many others missing, including more than 300 Indian tourists, according to reports. The disaster has also disrupted communication and transport links, making it difficult for authorities to establish contact with those stranded in affected areas.
The SEOC said it was in contact with Richa Tours Pvt Ltd, the agency that had organised travel for 57 people from Maharashtra.
It was also coordinating with the Union Home Ministry's Integrated Control Room-Emergency Response in New Delhi to obtain further information about Maharashtra residents affected by the floods.
State authorities are continuing to coordinate with travel agencies and other agencies involved in organising trips to Nepal as part of efforts to identify and trace those who may be stranded.
The SEOC and district administrations have been collecting details of Maharashtra residents who may have been affected by the floods.
During the exercise, authorities found possible duplication of names in some cases. These entries are being verified before a final figure is determined, officials said.
The government has asked district collectors to gather information from families and other sources and verify the details of people reported stranded in Nepal.
Officials said the number of affected tourists could be revised as more information becomes available.
The Maharashtra Disaster Management Department has appealed to people to share information about relatives or other individuals stranded in Nepal.
People can contact the department through the helpline numbers 9321587143, 1070 and 022-22027990.
The department has also established a helpline desk and asked families to provide as much information as possible to help authorities coordinate assistance and establish contact with those affected.
The SEOC has also developed a web-based facility for collecting information about stranded people. The link has been circulated through the media, while district collectors have been directed to gather and verify details received through various channels.
The Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday that a 24-hour control room had been established at Mantralaya to coordinate assistance for Maharashtra residents affected by the floods in Nepal.
The government has appealed to people requiring assistance to contact the control room through the helpline numbers issued by the state Disaster Management Department.
Citizens can also share information through email at controlroom@maharashtra.gov.in.
Maharashtra residents stranded in Nepal have also been asked to submit their details through the designated online link so that authorities can coordinate assistance and maintain an updated record of those affected.
(With inputs from PTI)
