Bringing immense relief to her family and hometown, Kulsum Nigar (20) from Baripada has been confirmed safe in Nepal after days of uncertainty following the devastating flash floods and landslides in the Bhote Koshi river region.
Kulsum, who had travelled to Nepal for a trekking expedition with friends, had been unreachable since August 25 when the disaster struck. Her phone remained switched off, sparking concern among relatives. However, she called her family today, assuring them that she is safe and unaffected by the floods.
Her elder sister confirmed the update, saying Kulsum and her trekking group are safe in Pokhara and have spoken to the family. The news comes as a major relief amid reports of several Odias missing in flood‑hit districts of Nepal.
While Kulsum is safe, the whereabouts of Khordha natives Sandeep Mohapatra and his wife Siddharthi Kumari Sahu remain unknown. The couple, who had been living in Australia since 2018, travelled to Nepal on August 22 and have not been reachable since August 25. Their phones remain switched off, and families are in touch with authorities.
Meanwhile, a football team from Bhubaneswar and three travellers from Puri have been confirmed safe, with some already returning to India via Raxaul check post.
The Odisha government has set up a 24×7 control room at Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi to coordinate with Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy. Families can contact helplines at 011‑23012807, +91‑7428135044, and +91‑8527580245. The Ministry of External Affairs has also issued helplines at +977‑9851316807 and +977‑9709107500.
