69 Stranded Maharashtra Citizens Cross Nepal Border, Expected in Mumbai by August 31
A group of 69 citizens from Maharashtra who were stranded amid the disaster in Nepal and adjoining regions crossed the China-Nepal border via the Kodari Immigration Centre late Saturday evening and entered Nepal. According to the state government, the evacuated citizens are expected to arrive in Mumbai by August 31.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has recorded details for 404 Maharashtra citizens affected by the disaster. With the evacuation of this group of 69 individuals, the state has facilitated the return of 142 people so far. A total of 262 tourists from Maharashtra remain stranded across affected areas in Nepal and China.
The rescue and evacuation operations are being carried out under the active follow-up of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the guidance of Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan. Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department Vinita Ved Singal and Director Bhalchandra Chavan are overseeing the operations.
Following the floods in Nepal, the SEOC has been coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs control room to track and assist residents and tourists who travelled to affected parts of Nepal, Tibet, and China. Based on incoming information, rescue teams are being deployed to trace stranded citizens.
An Integrated Control Room is also in active contact with the Emergency Response Control Room in New Delhi, the MEA control room, and Maharashtra Sadan. The state administration has activated a 24x7 response mechanism via its helpline (1070) and is verifying information with district-level authorities, travel operators, and families.
State officials noted that a web-based link has been shared across district administrations and media platforms to register details of those stranded. Coordination with central and state agencies will continue until all remaining Maharashtra residents are brought back safely.
