Chennai, Aug. 26:
Chief Minister Vijay has said the Tamil Nadu government is taking swift action to rescue and safely bring back more than 50 Tamil tourists and pilgrims stranded in Nepal following sudden floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
Heavy rain in Nepal and adjoining areas along the China border has caused a sudden rise in the Bhotekoshi River, leading to flooding and landslides that have severely disrupted normal life. Several Tamil Nadu residents who were on tourist and spiritual journeys are reported to be stranded in the affected region.
The State government is collecting details of the affected Tamils and is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Nepal to ascertain their whereabouts and ensure their safety.
Expressing shock and grief over reports that several Indians, including Tamils, were missing or stranded in the floods, Chief Minister Vijay said urgent steps were being taken through the Indian Embassy to ensure their safety and facilitate their rescue.
Emergency helpline numbers have also been activated through Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi and the State Disaster Control Centre to assist families seeking information and to help stranded Tamils establish contact with authorities.
The Tamil Nadu government said it would continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with the Central government and Indian diplomatic authorities until all those stranded are safely brought back home.