Officials monitoring and coordinating the rescue operations at the Real Time Governance Society on Thursday.
The Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to trace and evacuate Telugu pilgrims and residents stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directing the officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure all possible assistance.Minister for Real Time Governance Nara Lokesh is coordinating the response through the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), which is continuously monitoring developments and cross-checking information on the whereabouts and safety of Andhra Pradesh residents.RTG Secretary Bhaskar Katamneni and other senior officials have instructed the monitoring team to remain on duty and share verified updates with the AP Bhavan in New Delhi. The information is being coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian and Chinese embassies, Nepalese authorities and other agencies involved in rescue and evacuation operations.The floods, reportedly triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the region, have severely affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. At least 175 deaths and more than 820 missing persons have been reported. Reports indicate that 19 bridges and around 40 km of roads have also been damaged or destroyed, hampering rescue and relief operations.Worst-hit areasThe worst-affected areas include Syapru Besi, BC and Timure, which serve as important transit and acclimatisation points for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims travelling through the Nepal-Tibet corridor. The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and other agencies have deployed around 14-15 helicopters, with 123 people reportedly rescued, including 114 by the Army.Sources from AP Bhavan say that seven Andhra Pradesh residents have been reported missing or stranded. Four pilgrims from Adoni and Kurnool have been traced safe and are staying at a hotel in China, while efforts continue to locate three others.Missing personsThose whose whereabouts remain uncertain include Bala Subramanyam of Kuppam, Sasi Kumar, who was travelling with the Isha Foundation Group S3 and was last seen at the Gyrong Embassy in China, and Rajyalakshmi Nimmagadda, another member of the group.The four traced pilgrims are a part of a 156-member Kailash Mansarovar group.Minister for Non-Resident Telugu (NRT) Relations and Empowerment Kondapalli Srinivas says that APNRTS officials are in contact with them and have assured them that a rescue team will assist them once conditions improve.Mr. Srinivas also informs that APNRTS is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal over several other persons whose whereabouts are yet to be established, including Suhasini Reddy of Prakasam, Ramesh Babu of Krishna, and two tourists from Kakinada.Helpline numbersAP Bhavan has established an emergency control room to coordinate assistance. Families seeking information can contact Nepal Tourism Police at 1144, AP Bhavan at 011-23384016 or 011-23387089, or WhatsApp 9059824101.A statement issued by the government said the RTGS, the AP Bhavan and the departments concerned were continuing to monitor all seven cases and would maintain coordination until the safety and whereabouts of all affected Andhra Pradesh residents and pilgrims were established. Published - August 27, 2026 08:34 pm IST
