Nepal floods: With eight people missing, Karnataka govt issues emergency helplines

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara, on Thursday said that eight people from Bengaluru are reported missing in the floods in Nepal, however, there is no information about any residents of Karnataka dying in the disaster so far. He added that the government had issued emergency helplines and was closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to trace Karnataka residents affected by the floods.

Speaking about the situation, Parameshwara said the government was yet to get details of the families of those reported missing and was making efforts to gather more information.

He urged people seeking information or assistance regarding those stranded or missing in Nepal to contact the emergency helpline numbers 1070 or 080-22253707.

“We have sent a senior officer to Kathmandu in Nepal,” Parameshwara said, adding that the Karnataka government was also trying to establish contact with the Chinese Ambassador in connection with the situation.

He said that if necessary, the government would discuss the matter with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and consider sending a minister from Karnataka to Nepal to coordinate relief and assistance efforts.

The floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border have disrupted travel and communication in several areas, leaving a number of people stranded or untraceable.

The Karnataka government is coordinating with authorities concerned to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of residents from the state who are in the affected region, he said.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian citizens facing difficulties in Nepal following sudden floods that have disrupted normal life in several parts of the neighbouring country.

Karnataka Minister for Home, Information and Biotechnology, and E-Governance Priyank Kharge urged Indian citizens in Nepal and their family members to use the helplines for assistance, information and emergency support.

The helpline numbers are:+977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, +977 981 032 6117.

All three numbers are also available on WhatsApp, statement said.

The helpline initiative comes amid reports of disruption caused by the flood situation in several areas of Nepal, with some Indian citizens also facing difficulties.

Minister Kharge appealed to Indian citizens who are stranded or require assistance to contact the helpline numbers immediately without delay. Family members in India who are unable to establish contact with their relatives in Nepal can also use the numbers to seek information and assistance.

The minister said the emergency contact system is intended to help provide necessary support and information regarding the safety and whereabouts of Indian citizens in flood-affected areas.

The Karnataka government has urged those affected by the situation to make use of the available helplines and seek assistance whenever required.

Meanwhile, among the missing persons from Karnataka, four Bengaluru-origin NRI Kannadigas who had travelled to the region for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra were reported missing. The four pilgrims, originally from Bengaluru and currently residing in the United States, had travelled from the US to Nepal to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

They had reportedly visited the Chinese Embassy in the area affected by the floods on August 26. However, following the floods, they have been unable to contact their friends and family members and are currently reported missing.

Their friends contacted the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and provided information about their disappearance, seeking assistance in tracing them.

Meanwhile, a group of 25 people, including 23 from Hyderabad and two from Karnataka, had travelled to Nepal.

The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has successfully established contact with two Karnataka residents who were stranded in the floods — Mallinath Kolakundi and Sangamesh Kanakapura, both from Chincholi taluk in Kalaburagi district.

Efforts are underway to trace the missing Bengaluru-origin pilgrims and ensure the safety of other Karnataka residents affected by the disaster.

IANS