Amid devastating flash floods in Nepal, Odias stranded in the neighbouring country have been traced safe, bringing relief to families back home.
A 13‑member football team from Bhubaneswar, including players, a coach and accompanying members, had travelled to Pokhara for a match when floods struck Nepal. Their phones were unreachable for hours, raising concern among relatives. However, the coach later confirmed to the Odisha government that all 13 members are safe and staying in a hotel in Pokhara, nearly 300 km away from the flood‑ravaged region. The scheduled match has been postponed.
Meanwhile, three friends from Puri — Rakesh Ranjan Panda and two companions — who were stranded in Nepal have safely crossed the border via Kapilvastu and entered India through the Raxaul check post. Their safe return has brought relief to anxious families.
The Odisha government has set up a control room in New Delhi and issued helpline numbers +91‑7428135044, +91‑8527580245, and 011‑23012807 to assist Odias stranded in Nepal. Pritish Panda, OSD at the Directorate of Odisha Paribar, has been appointed nodal officer for coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Nepalese authorities.
Officials said efforts are continuing to monitor the situation and provide assistance to Odias in Nepal.
