Mumbai, Aug 28: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that 37 pilgrims from Maharashtra stranded in Saga, Tibet, after completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have departed safely via the Nyalm Check Post route to Kathmandu.

The Maharashtra CMO, in a post on X, said, “The 37 pilgrims from Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad, and Dombivli areas had gone for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They got stranded in Saga during their return journey. Their return flight from Kathmandu was scheduled for 2 PM on August 29, making it essential to reach Kathmandu on time. Upon receiving this information, Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately contacted the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, secured the necessary assistance, and ensured the safe return journey from Saga to Kathmandu for all pilgrims. In this hour of crisis, everyone expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Government, and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for the timely help received.”

The CMO also uploaded the list of the 37 pilgrims in the post.

Earlier, CM Fadnavis on Thursday evening spoke to stranded citizens and assured them all possible help for their safe return.

The Chief Minister’s Office in a post on X said, “All 106 passengers from Nagpur have safely departed from Kathmandu for Danapur, Bihar. Following a phone call from CM Fadnavis, Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four local mini-buses to facilitate their journey from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The passengers are expected to reach the Janakpur–Bihar border tomorrow morning. Buses have been arranged for their journey to Danapur, Bihar, from where their return journey by train has also been arranged.”

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said several citizens from Maharashtra, particularly from Satara, Mahabaleshwar, and Pune regions, are stranded in Nepal.

Speaking to reporters, he stated that continuous efforts were being made to establish contact with the stranded residents and bring them back safely to Maharashtra. He said that due to the natural disaster that has hit Nepal, several citizens from the state are stranded there, while the search for some is still ongoing.

He interacted via video call with Shiv Sena’s Deputy District Chief Megha Chorge and her colleagues, who are stranded in Pokhara near Kathmandu. During the call, he inquired about their well-being and reassured them, stating that all possible assistance would be provided to ensure their early return.

Describing the situation in Nepal as extremely tragic and unfortunate, Dy CM Shinde said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a helping hand to Nepal at the Central level. He added that supporting each other during times of crisis is our responsibility, and the Central government, Government of Maharashtra, State Disaster Management Authority, and Shiv Sena’s disaster management team are working in close coordination.

Dy CM Shinde also mentioned that maximum efforts are being made to reach and assist stranded citizens of Maharashtra through Shiv Sena workers based in Nepal.

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the severe flood situation in Nepal, joint efforts by the Central and state governments are underway to ensure the safety of Maharashtra’s citizens. Additionally, Shiv Sena’s disaster management machinery has been activated for relief work. Yuva Sena’s Rahul Kanal, along with several Shiv Sainiks, left for Nepal to assist in the operations.

Kathmandu, Aug 27: Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Vidushi Rana on Thursday expressed gratitude to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending aid whenever a disaster strikes the Himalayan nation, while asserting that the focus of Prime Minister Balendra Shah-led government is to save maximum lives.

Her reaction comes after at least 270 people lost their lives in the tragic Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal, with scores, including Indians, still missing.

Speaking to media, Vidushi Rana said: “Whatever happened is very, very unfortunate. I haven’t slept all night just thinking about people, about families who are missing their children, missing their loved ones, and just hoping for some good news to come, just to know that everything is okay.”

“After the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, I think this is one of the biggest devastations in the country. But the government is super proactive. The most important thing for us right now is to carry out rescue operations,” she added.

The RSP MP mentioned that the Nepal government has launched private helicopters along with the government ones to carry out the rescue operations.

“The hospital beds have been kept free, even in Kathmandu. The less urgent surgeries which were scheduled for today or tomorrow have been postponed to a later date because we want hospital beds to be ready (for victims). The government is working very hard as we want to save as many lives as possible,” she said.

Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, Rana said: “I am really, really thankful to PM Modi because, as soon as this happened, he gave a condolence message to the families who are suffering and to the country. We’ve already received a lot of relief materials from India. Every time there is a disaster, we get help from India.”

“We are getting calls from the international community also for the help, like ambulances and other things,” she added.

Further, Rana said that Nepal is “very fortunate” to have India as its neighbour because “it is a big market for us”.

“The India-Nepal open border, which is 1,751 kilometres long, is not just an open border. It is a border that connects people, cultures and customs. We have a ‘Roti-Beti’ relationship, where Nepali girls are married in India and Indian girls are married in Nepal. So, we have a different relationship with our neighbour, and very few neighbours can boast of that. The relationship between India and Nepal has not developed only today. Historically, geographically, and in every way, we have been connected,” she noted.

Meanwhile, BJP National Executive Member Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who is also in Kathmandu, described the visuals of the tragedy as “very frightening and causing immense grief and pain”.

“The Government and the people of India have expressed their condolences. We have seen visuals of a bridge being washed away due to flash floods. But I believe that during such tragedies, the ties between India and Nepal become even stronger because our relationship is of empathy,” he told media.

Further, he likened the India-Nepal bilateral ties to “a relationship between two brothers living in the same family”.

“There is no elder brother or younger brother in this relationship…It is a people-to-people relationship between both nations,” he added.

New Delhi, Aug 27: Leaders across party lines on Thursday expressed grief and concern over the devastating flash floods in Nepal, describing the tragedy as deeply saddening and painful while stressing the need for relief, rescue efforts and continued vigilance in neighbouring Indian states.

The reactions came as the bodies of 162 people swept away by a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River had been recovered as of Thursday morning. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, with several people still reported missing and extensive damage inflicted on property and infrastructure.

Speaking to media, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the tragedy in Nepal was extremely distressing and had resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

“The tragedy in Nepal is very saddening. There was a sudden flood and Nepal has been devastated. Indians are also missing. Both lives and property have been lost. It is deeply saddening and a matter of great concern. Our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him of all possible support,” he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi termed the situation a terrible disaster, saying heavy rains and flooding had caused severe destruction.

“There has been a terrible disaster in Nepal. Dams have been destroyed and heavy rains have caused severe damage. More than 1,000 people are still missing in Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured the people of Nepal that India would provide all possible assistance,” he said.

Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the incident as extremely painful and called for greater vigilance in Bihar in view of possible repercussions on river systems.

“We saw the videos yesterday showing the way the floodwaters rose and people were running for safety. We feel the Bihar government needs to keep a closer watch on the situation. Everyone needs to remain alert. There is also concern that the Gandak River could be affected in Bihar,” he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and raised concerns about tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal.

“First of all, my condolences to every person who lost their life in these flash floods. Seven tourists from Maharashtra are also stranded there. Our respected leader Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena are in touch with the authorities to ensure that they return safely. As far as the Government of India is concerned, we have always maintained a friendly relationship with and extended support to Nepal,” she said.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, said every possible effort should be made to provide relief and assistance to the affected families.

Bihar Minister Ratnesh Sada also expressed grief over the devastation, saying that governments must respond with compassion whenever such disasters strike.

“The Chief Minister is also concerned. Wherever there is a disaster, we must respond with compassion in the interest of humanity. I am saddened by the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and the loss of life,” he said.

JD(U) National Working President and MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, said the reduced water flow had eased immediate pressure but stressed the importance of remaining alert. He also called for coordinated flood management between India and Nepal.

“The water flow has reduced significantly, so there is not much pressure. However, it is a matter of staying alert. The biggest message from this is that India and Nepal should plan for joint flood management,” he said.

JD(U) President Umesh Singh Kushwaha said, “We are monitoring the situation continuously. Every 24 hours, we are monitoring the dams, including the old dams, and the waterways. Therefore, common people do not need to worry too much. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. When the water level rises, we will know.”

JD(U) National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, called the incident very worrying and said Prime Minister Modi had assured Nepal of India’s support.

Shyam Rajak said, “The incident is very worrying. It is a natural disaster. Our Prime Minister has spoken at length with the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him that the Government of India will stand by the people of Nepal.”

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also expressed sympathy with those affected, saying that while natural calamities could not be stopped, those caught in such tragedies deserved support and compassion.