Puri: Five people from Odisha are still missing in the catastrophic floods in Nepal, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday, adding that efforts are underway in coordination with the Central government and the Nepal Embassy to ensure their safe rescue.
Pujari said the Odisha government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Centre and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu in its efforts to trace the missing persons.
“Five people from Odisha are still missing. We are making every possible effort in coordination with the Central government and the Nepal Embassy to rescue them safely,” the minister said.
Helpline numbers have also been issued to facilitate information and assistance. Pujari said we are praying to Lord Jagannath for the safe rescue of all those still stranded or missing in the disaster.
The catastrophic floods have devastated four districts of Nepal, washing away towns, villages, houses, roads and bridges. The death toll has risen to 472, while more than 1,600 people are reported missing. More than 290 Indians are among those missing, while tourists from around 30 countries are also unaccounted for, including 63 Americans and 25 Canadians.
With search and rescue operations continuing, authorities fear the death toll could rise further. Bodies are being recovered from several locations, including areas covered by water and mud.
Around 13,000 personnel are engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Nepal Army, police and other security forces are carrying out search operations in the affected areas, while helicopters are being used to airdrop food packets, tents and other essential supplies to places cut off by the floods.
Infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, with 13 hydropower projects affected. Transport and communication networks have also been severely disrupted. Around 40 km of roads have been completely washed away, while 35 bridges and 45 suspension bridges have reportedly been swept away by strong flood currents.
The destruction of roads and bridges has left several areas inaccessible, hampering rescue operations and making it difficult for emergency teams to reach people still trapped in floodwaters and mud.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has opened a 24-hour control room and issued helpline numbers to assist Indian nationals and their families amid the ongoing rescue operations.
