Kailash-Mansarovar: Last-batch of stranded Indian-pilgrims airlifted to safety from Nepal
What's the story
All the 1,430 stranded Indian pilgrims who were stranded while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet have been airlifted to safety with the evacuation of the last batch of 160 people from Nepal's mountainous regions today. Those rescued from Hilsa and Simikot districts of Nepal have been moved to Nepalgunj and Surkhet, the two towns with better healthcare facilities close to Indian border.
Twitter Post
Indian Embassy in Nepal gives updates of evacuation process
The evacuation process completed after 160 stranded pilgrims were evacuated today 7 Jul from Simikot and Hilsa. Embassy’s team continues to be stationed to monitor the situation.
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) July 7, 2018
Pilgrims Stuck
Incessant rains in Nepal blocked transportation; pilgrims stuck for 5-days
The pilgrims were stuck for the past five-six days as continuous downpour in western Nepal had blocked the transportation. The Indian embassy took initiatives to evacuate them and provide necessary medical and other essential items as soon as they got information, an official said. Commercial flights and Nepal Army helicopters were also deployed for the task over the past few days.
Rescue
Embassy coordinated with local tour operators for rescue: Spokesperson
"All of them have been airlifted from Hilsa and Simikot to Surkhet and Nepalgunj, border towns of Nepal. Two embassy staff were also deployed at the site for facilitating evacuation and establishing communication with the family members of the victims," Embassy spokesperson Roshan Lepcha said. He said the Embassy had coordinated with local tour operators and security people to carry out the rescue works
Revised advisory
Indian eEmbassy suggests medical examination before taking Yatra
In view of the situation, the Indian embassy had on Thursday issued a revised advisory for prospective pilgrims, suggesting medical examination before taking up the yatra. The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibetan region of China is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Every year, hundreds of Indians undertake the "yatra" which involves trekking under inhospitable conditions.