No information about seven Malayalees still missing in Nepal flash floods, death toll crosses 950

KATHMANDU: Authorities said there is no information about the seven Malayalees who went missing in the flash floods in Nepal. A search is progressing for them. A total of 158 Indians stranded in the disaster have been rescued. The overall death toll has crossed 950, while more than 40,000 people are still missing. Among them are 275 Indians. As many as 125 Indians residing in foreign countries are also yet to be traced. The Nepal government said that rescue operations are continuing.

A 47-member Malayali group stranded in Nepal returned to Kozhikode last Sunday. The group of 42 tourists and tour operators, had gone to Nepal for Onam vacation. The trip was arranged via a tour agency in Balussery. The group included three from Mananthavady and others from Ulliyeri, Balussery, Chemancheri and nearby areas of Kozhikode.

Another 15 Malayalees stranded in Nepal will soon return to Kerala. They reached Delhi yesterday. Two will stay back in Nepal. Those returning include people who travelled with their families and groups, as well as some who had not registered with the NORKA help desks.

Eight more of a 23-member group undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage, including 19 Malayalees, reached Delhi yesterday. Among those returning from Nepal is also a six-member team of doctors led by Dr Rekha Nair. The group that reached Kathmandu is scheduled to travel to Delhi by air today.