Kulsum Nigar of Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, who had gone missing amid the devastating flash floods in Nepal, has safely returned home.
Kulsum was reported missing after the floods struck on August 26, leaving her family in deep anxiety. The Odisha government alerted the Ministry of External Affairs and coordinated with Nepalese authorities to trace her. She was later located and returned to India on Saturday, with her family confirming on Monday that she had reached home safely.
Kulsum was not alone in the ordeal. Other members of her group also returned safely, while another Odisha tourist, Deepika Ekka of Sundargarh, survived the floods and reached India on Saturday.
Meanwhile, several tourists from Odisha who narrowly escaped the disaster have reached Kolkata and are expected to arrive at Bhadrak Railway Station later today. The group, which included 51 tourists and travel staff, had been stranded near the Trishuli River when floodwaters surged. They were evacuated by Nepal Police and local authorities using ropeways and later flown to Gorakhpur before reaching Kolkata.
The floods, triggered by a glacial collapse, have left 903 dead and 4,247 missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals. Rescue operations continue with over 20,000 personnel deployed.
For Kulsum’s family, however, her safe return has brought immense relief after days of fear and uncertainty. The news has also reassured families of other Odisha tourists who endured the terrifying experience in Nepal.
