Rescue operation in full swing to evacuate Mansarovar yatra pilgrims

In Nepal evacuation of stranded Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims is likely to continue on Wednesday.

158 pilgrims were evacuated from Simikot on Tuesday through 10 commercial flights. 250 pilgrims were also brought to Simikot from Hilsa by helicopters. Our correspondent reports that over 1400 pilgrims are still stranded in Simikot, Hilsa and Tibet side. 629 pilgrims are still stranded in Simikot, 451 in Hilsa and another 300 in Tibet side. The flow of pilgrims from Tibet side to Hilsa was very low on Tuesday and only 51 pilgrims arrived at Hilsa.

The Indian Embassy has requested tour operators to hold pilgrims towards Tibet as better civic amenities are available there. The mission representative in Simikot taking rounds to find out any medical emergencies. So far no major medical complications reported. Meanwhile a four member team of the Embassy has arrived at Nepalgunj on its way to Simikot and Hilsa. The team will set up camp offices to provide assistance to the stranded pilgrims.

Two dead bodies have also been airlifted from Simikot.

The Embassy of India operated special helicopters to bring bodies. The Mission is providing all necessary assistance for an early repatriation of bodies to India. A four member team is being sent to Simikot and Hilsa to set up camp offices for assistance to stranded pilgrims and the Embassy has said that situation continues to be under control and there is no need to panic.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday tweeted saying, “We have requested government of Nepal for army helicopters to evacuate stranded Indian nationals … We have set up hotlines for pilgrims and family members who will provide information in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages.”

The helpline numbers are:

Pranav Ganesh First Secy +977-9851107006

Tashi Khampa +977-98511550077

Tarun Raheja +977-9851107021

Rajesh Jha +977-9818832398

Yogananda +977-9823672371 (Kannada)

Pindi Naresh +977-9808082292 (Telugu)

R Murugan +977-98085006 (Tamil)

Ranjith +977-9808500644 (Malayalam)

A four member team is being sent to Simikot and Hilsa to set up camp offices for assistance to stranded pilgrims. The Embassy has said that situation continues to be under control and there is no need to panic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in touch with MEA and other top officials regarding the well being of Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal.