16 Keralites return safely from Nepal, says CM Satheeesan

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 29 (IANS) Sixteen Keralites, including a 14-member group from Kochi, have returned home safely from Nepal, while 45 travellers have been confirmed safe across Nepal and Indian transit locations, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said.

He added on Saturday evening that arrangements are underway to bring the remaining travellers back home.

Among those who have returned are Sruthi Shikhamani of Kakkanad and Rineeth Mohan of Piravom, Satheesan said in a social media post on X.

“Seven people are still to be contacted, including four Australian citizens of Kerala origin. Their details are being coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs. Under the directions of the Chief Minister’s Office, NORKA Roots and the Delhi NRK Development Office are continuing to facilitate transit and return travel arrangements for those reaching India.”

The update comes amid continuing concern over Keralites caught up in the devastating flash floods and glacial avalanche along the Nepal-Tibet border, which disrupted travel through the Himalayan region.

Meanwhile, architect and Padma Shri awardee G. Shankar, whose cancelled Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage put him on the same route days before the disaster, issued another social media post on Saturday thanking people for their concern and urging caution.

“Wading through an ocean of love, affection and care,” Shankar wrote, referring to the 5.5 lakh views and thousands of messages and calls his earlier social media post had received.

“Keep Nepal in your thoughts. Tread on with soft steps. For disasters are just beneath your feet,” he said.

Shankar had been scheduled to undertake the pilgrimage with the Mohanji Foundation. His itinerary included Kathmandu, Manasarovar, Saga for acclimatisation and then Darchen.

However, he and his wife cancelled the trip on August 21 after their son strongly urged them not to travel.

The decision proved critical as the disaster struck the route shortly afterwards.

Shankar said he hoped to return to the Himalayas “with care, caution and hope”, while thanking spiritual teacher Mohanji, writer Asha Menon and writer T. Padmanabhan for reaching out to him.

–IANS

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