Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31:
Sixteen Keralites, including a 14-member group from Kochi, have returned safely from flood-hit Nepal, while authorities continue efforts to trace and bring back other travellers affected by the disaster.
Kerala Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said 45 Keralites had so far been confirmed safe either in Nepal or at transit locations in India.
He said arrangements were under way to facilitate the return of those still in the region.
Among those who have returned are Sruthi Shikhamani of Kakkanad and Rineeth Mohan of Piravom.
Satheesan said seven people were still to be contacted, including four Australian citizens of Kerala origin. Their details were being coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs.
NORKA Roots and the Delhi NRK Development Office are assisting in arranging transit and return travel for Keralites reaching India.
The developments come amid continuing uncertainty following devastating flash floods and a glacial avalanche along the Nepal-Tibet border, which severely disrupted transport and pilgrimage routes in the Himalayan region.
The disaster has affected travellers from several Indian states who were in Nepal or travelling towards the Nepal-Tibet border.
Kerala authorities have been coordinating with the Centre and other agencies to establish the whereabouts of stranded travellers and facilitate their safe return.
Meanwhile, the wider rescue operation has also involved travellers from Tamil Nadu, Assam, Maharashtra and other states.
Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan said at least 219 of 319 Tamil Nadu residents stranded in Nepal had been rescued, while efforts were continuing to trace the remaining 100.
Among the affected Tamil Nadu travellers was a 57-member group that had travelled through a Kumbakonam-based tour operator. Twenty-one members of that group had been rescued and brought safely to Chennai, while efforts were continuing to locate the remaining members.
Authorities have been using diplomatic channels and coordination with Nepalese officials to establish the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
The return of the 16 Keralites provides relief to their families even as officials continue efforts to establish contact with the remaining travellers.