Nepal Floods: 12 Gujarat Pilgrims Missing

AHMEDABAD: A devastating flood in Nepal has triggered an anxious search for 12 pilgrims from Gujarat who were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, with families waiting for news as rescue and communication efforts are stepped up.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the 12 pilgrims listed as missing or currently uncontactable include three from Ahmedabad, two from Anand, three from Surat, one each from Valsad and Rajkot, besides a Gujarati-origin citizen from the US and another from Australia.

All the pilgrims had travelled through different tour operators along the Kerung route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Officials said some of the pilgrims were believed to be in the vicinity of the Bhote Koshi River and Friendship Bridge near the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border when flooding struck the area. Since several pilgrims have remained out of contact for nearly 24 hours, concern has mounted among their families in Gujarat.

The SEOC and local administration have intensified efforts to establish contact and ascertain the whereabouts of the pilgrims while coordinating with authorities in Nepal.

“Considering the seriousness of the situation, relief and rescue operations have been intensified and efforts are underway to establish contact with all the pilgrims,” officials said.

Authorities are maintaining constant communication with the Nepal administration and monitoring developments along the affected border route. Rescue teams are also working to gather information on pilgrims stranded or separated from their groups following the flooding.

The incident has sparked growing anxiety among families, particularly those who have been unable to reach their relatives since the disaster struck.

Officials said the priority remains establishing contact with the missing pilgrims and ensuring their safety. The Gujarat emergency control room is continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate with Nepalese authorities as rescue operations progress.

Families have been urged to rely on official updates while authorities work to verify the status and location of each uncontactable pilgrim.