Over 150 Gujaratis Uncontactable Amid Nepal Floods

SURAT: Fear is mounting among families in Gujarat as the number of citizens uncontactable amid the devastating floods in Nepal has risen to 24 with reports suggesting that over 150 are caught up in the disaster, according to the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC). The figure has climbed from 12 to 18 and now 24 in a matter of days, triggering intensified efforts by the Gujarat and central governments to trace stranded tourists and pilgrims.

Union Jal Shakti Minister and Navsari MP C. R. Paatil said the actual number of affected Gujaratis could be significantly higher, with preliminary estimates suggesting that more than 150 Gujaratis may have been caught in the disaster.

Paatil said the situation was extremely serious, with viral footage showing people, houses and vehicles being swept away by floodwaters. “It may take a long time to ascertain the exact extent of the loss of life and property,” he said.

The SEOC’s latest list, prepared as of 7:45 am on August 28, includes tourists and pilgrims whose families have been unable to establish contact with them.

Among those uncontactable are Surat residents Paresh Patel, Jyotiben Patel and Meenakshiben Ramani, who reportedly travelled to Nepal on August 23 and were last believed to be near the Nepal-Tibet border.

A priest from Amreli’s Jafrabad, Chauhan Kamta Prasad, popularly known as Gomati Bapu, has also reportedly been uncontactable for around 10 days. He had travelled from Ayodhya to Nepal with a group of saints and mahants for pilgrimage.

Tourists from Gandhinagar who travelled through Trekking Planner and two visitors from Anand undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Himalayan Glacier and Adventure Planner are also among those being traced.

The disaster has prompted a major Indian relief and rescue response. Paatil said the Indian government has sent 47.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah remains in constant contact with the Nepal government.

According to preliminary reports cited by Paatil, the disaster has claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands missing, including Indians. Authorities are continuing efforts to establish contact with the missing Gujaratis and assess the overall impact.

The Gujarat government has urged families seeking information to contact the emergency helplines: 079-23251900, 9978405304 or 1070.