Nepal floods: Panvel family escapes disaster hours before flash floods hit

Rescue and restoration work underway at Trishuli Dam, in Nuwakot district, Nepal, on Thursday. PIC/PTI

A Panvel-based family, travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, narrowly escaped the flash floods in Nepal after leaving the affected area just hours before disaster struck. Speaking with mid-day, Ashwin Shah who had undertaken the pilgrimage in 2005 and therefore didn't join this year, said his wife Anjana Ashwin Shah, son Dhiren Ashwin Shah, daughter-in-law Yukti Dhiren Shah, younger brother Jayant Shah, and sister-in-law Hansa Shah, were part of this year's group. "They left the place around eight to nine hours earlier. All of them are now safe in Tibet," he said.

[popcorn number="5" desc="No of Shah family members on pilgrimage" class="Default"]

Workers use excavators to clear sludge in Nepal's Nuwakot district, on Thursday. PIC/PTI

Safety confirmed

The family's tour leader, Shailesh Maheshwari, confirmed that all the Shah family members from Panvel were safe. "They are safe, and we are in Tibet now. Today we will move from Tibet towards Kailash Mansarovar, and will reach there by evening," he said.

[popcorn number="8-9 hours" desc="The police have sought information about the hotel staff" class="Default"]

‘Still worried'

For Shah, the relief has been immense, but the worry remains until his family returns home. "I spoke to all my family members on Thursday evening. Now, I am praying that they complete their pilgrimage safely and return home," he said.

Anjana Ashwin Shah, Dhiren Ashwin Shah, Yukti Dhiren Shah and Jayant Shah

‘Yoga kept us calm'

Rupal Chheda, member of tour group from Mumbai
‘The flood scare left people shaken. We had a yoga session in the morning to calm our minds after the incident'

Help only a call away

>> When mid-day called the state control room on 1070, the response came quickly
>> Operator said more than 500 calls received so far
>> Actual number of affected families could be lower, as multiple family members are calling for updates
>> After taking details, control room provides link to fill the required form, enabling authorities to collect information about Maharashtra residents who may require assistance
>> Coordination is being handled from Delhi, with information being collated and assistance coordinated for those in need
>> The response is being overseen by Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan

The process: Call 1070 > provide details > receive the form link > submit information > authorities coordinate assistance

Help for stranded citizens

The Maharashtra government has activated a 24-hour control room for citizens from the state who may be stranded in Nepal amid the flood situation or require assistance…

State control room helpline 1070 (toll-free)
Control room 91-9321587143
Email: controlroom@maharashtra.gov.in

Citizens stranded in Nepal have also been asked to upload their details through the government's assistance portal…

geospatial.mahaseoc.in/sahayata_gulf/