Tea break & an alert driver: How Kailash pilgrims narrowly escaped Nepal floods
A group of 28 Indian pilgrims narrowly escaped devastating flash floods in Nepal after a series of delays and a quick-thinking driver. The group witnessed other vehicles being swept away before they were safely rerouted to their hotel.
Why it matters
Highlights the extreme risks posed by climate-induced flash flooding in mountainous regions and the importance of emergency preparedness for travelers.
TIRUPATI: Twenty eight pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, who had a narrow escape from the devastating flash floods in Nepal, returned safely to their respective hometowns on Saturday.Speaking to TOI, Tirupati-based Sign In Travels managing director Pemmasani Venkataramana, who was part of the 28-member group undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, recalled how a brief tea break and a 10-minute delay proved crucial in saving their lives.“We were supposed to reach Syabrubesi, along the Nepal-Tibet border, early. But a tea break and a 10-minute delay saved the lives of all 28 of us. Our driver responded swiftly to the calamity, took a detour and moved us to safety,” Venkataramana said.Another pilgrim, Krishnaiah Muthyala of Visakhapatnam, said a three-day delay in obtaining their visas inadvertently saved the group from being caught in the flash floods.“Our group (28 pilgrims from AP, Telangana and Karnataka) was scheduled to visit Mansarovar.
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