Following devastating flash floods in Nepal, West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has reached out to the families of 37 missing residents, promising administrative support and assistance with Chinese visas.
- At least 37 people from West Bengal are reported missing following flash floods in Nepal.
- CM Suvendu Adhikari offered state assistance for obtaining Chinese visas to trace relatives in Tibet.
- A state delegation may be sent to Kathmandu subject to Central Government permission.
- A Kolkata-based couple on a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is among those missing.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari conducted a video conference on Friday from Bhabani Bhaban, the state police headquarters, to interact with the families of West Bengal residents missing in Nepal. The disappearance follows catastrophic flash floods that have ravaged parts of the neighboring country.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister stated that the state government is prepared to assist those who wish to travel to China to locate their loved ones, potentially in the Tibet region. "We will help those who want to go to China. Though it will be subject to getting visas from China, the state administration will provide necessary help for that," Adhikari assured the grieving families.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this situation underscores the critical need for cross-border disaster management protocols. As the scale of the missing persons list grows, the coordination between state authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and international embassies becomes vital for humanitarian relief.
"Don't think you people are alone. The entire state is with you," Suvendu Adhikari assured the distressed families.
Among the missing is a prominent case involving a UK-based couple from Kolkata, Anal Kar (56) and Sanjukta Kar (50). The couple, who were on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, were last traced near the Nepal-Tibet border at Timure. Their children are currently traveling to India to spearhead search efforts.
Historical Background
The Himalayan terrain is highly susceptible to flash floods during the monsoon season. Previous years have seen similar tragedies where sudden surges in river levels have displaced thousands and left many travelers stranded in remote, high-altitude regions near the borders of India, Nepal, and China.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing Count | 37 Residents of West Bengal |
| Rescued So Far | 2 Members of the Poddar family |
| Proposed Action | State delegation to Kathmandu (pending Central approval) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is the state government assisting the families?
The government is offering administrative help for Chinese visa applications and is exploring the creation of WhatsApp groups for real-time updates.
2. Can the state government send a team to Nepal directly?
The CM stated that a state government delegation will be sent to Kathmandu only if the Central Government provides the necessary permission.
