Tamil Nadu to send IAS-led team to Nepal to coordinate rescue of stranded Tamils

Chennai, Aug 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered an IAS-led team to travel to Nepal to coordinate efforts to rescue Tamil Nadu residents stranded after devastating floods swept through the Himalayan nation’s northern region.

The decision was taken after CM Vijay chaired an emergency meeting with officials on Thursday to review the condition of people from the state caught in the disaster.

The Chief Minister said a delegation led by Tamil Nadu Home Commissioner Ashish Kumar would leave Delhi for Kathmandu, assess the stranded Tamils and work with the Nepal government to coordinate the rescue operations.

The floods were triggered after an avalanche caused the Kosi and Trishuli rivers to overflow, inundating large areas.

At least 175 people were reported dead in Rasuwa, a northern border district of Nepal, while nearly 1,000 people, including about 300 Indians, were reported missing.

The disaster has disrupted transport and communication links, complicating efforts to trace pilgrims and tourists.

School Education Minister Rajmohan Arumugam told the Tamil Nadu Assembly about the plight of people from the state caught in the devastating floods.

He said that available information indicated that 103 people from Tamil Nadu had travelled to Nepal. Among them was a group of 57 people from Kumbakonam.

“Of this group of 57 people from Kumbakonam, 21 had been rescued and moved to safety,” the Minister told the House.

Efforts were continuing to establish contact with the others and determine their locations and condition.

The decision to send a senior official-led team is expected to strengthen coordination among Tamil Nadu authorities, Indian diplomatic officials and the Nepal government.

The delegation will collect verified information about those missing or stranded, identify their requirements and facilitate their evacuation.

Officials are also expected to remain in contact with the families of those affected and provide updates as rescue operations progress.

The state government has directed departments concerned to extend all necessary assistance to the stranded travellers and ensure that rescued residents are brought home safely.

With uncertainty continuing over the whereabouts of several Indians, rescue teams are working in difficult terrain amid damaged roads and disrupted communication networks.

Tamil Nadu authorities said the situation was being monitored closely and further measures would be taken based on reports from the team in Nepal.

–IANS

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