The devastating flash floods in Nepal have claimed another Odia missing case, with 20‑year‑old Kulsum Nigar from Baripada reported untraced.
Her family has lost contact since she travelled to Nepal, and her phone remains switched off. Authorities are verifying details with Nepalese officials and the Ministry of External Affairs.
This comes amid a larger crisis where 178 Indians are among 644 people missing in flood‑hit districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha. Rescue teams have recovered over 175 bodies so far, while hundreds remain unaccounted for.
Amid the tragedy, relief has come for families of Odias stranded in Nepal. A 13‑member football team from Bhubaneswar, including players and a coach, had gone to Pokhara for a match when floods struck. Their phones were unreachable for hours, sparking concern. Later, the coach confirmed to the Odisha government that all 13 members are safe, 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, bringing relief to their families.
The Odisha Government has opened a 24‑hour control room at Odisha Bhavan, New Delhi, to provide assistance to Odias in distress.
The office of the Chief Resident Commissioner announced that any individual requiring help can contact the control room through the following numbers:
- +91 7428135044
- +91 8527580245
- +91 11 23012807 (landline)
Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued emergency helplines for Indian nationals in Nepal:
- +977 9851316807
- +977 9709107500
These numbers are also available on WhatsApp for quick communication.
Officials said the control room will coordinate with the MEA and Nepalese authorities to ensure timely support, including evacuation, relief, and information sharing for Odias stranded in flood‑hit regions.
