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 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.
