Guwahati: There is finally some relief for eight families in Assam after their loved ones, caught in the devastating flash floods in Nepal, were rescued safely.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to the eight residents after they were rescued and said they were safe. The group includes Pankaj Verma, Samar Bezbaruah, Gautam Das, Gopal Debnath, Soneswar Narzary, Sarbison Marak, Silva Marak and Elphison Sangma. They are expected to return to Assam on Sunday.
The news has brought a sense of relief to their families, who had been worried since the floods struck Nepal on August 26. But the situation remains tense, as authorities are still trying to trace people who have not yet been accounted for.
Earlier, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority had reported that 10 people from Assam were missing in Nepal. The status of those who have not yet been traced is still being followed up by authorities.
The disaster itself has left Nepal facing a massive humanitarian crisis. According to the latest figures reported, the death toll had risen to 734, while nearly 2,500 people were still missing. The numbers have continued to change as rescue teams recover bodies and reach areas cut off by the floods.
The flash floods followed an ice rock avalanche and glacial collapse that blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi River. The sudden release of water hit the Timure area near Nepal’s border with Tibet with enormous force, damaging roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure.
The disaster has also affected Indian nationals in Nepal, prompting Indian authorities to step up efforts to help those stranded or missing.
The Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating with the Nepalese authorities to locate Indians affected by the floods and assist with their return. For families in Assam, every update remains important as they wait for information about those still unaccounted for.
The rescue of the eight Assam residents is certainly a reason to breathe easier. But for families still waiting by their phones, the ordeal is not over yet.
As rescue teams continue their work in the flood-hit areas, Assam is hoping that more names will soon move from the missing list to the safe and returning home list.
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