Evacuation operations have commenced for six Indian citizens stranded in Gyirong town in Tibet following severe flash floods across the Nepal border region. The group of pilgrims, who had embarked on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, found themselves trapped due to the sudden natural disaster. Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in China, arrangements are underway to bring them back to India via Nepal. Following successful diplomatic coordination with Chinese authorities, all six individuals are currently moving from Gyirong toward the Nepalese border.
Border Immigration Office Destroyed by Torrential Floods
The trapped group was staying at a hotel in Gyirong town while traveling on valid Kailash Mansarovar group visas. However, catastrophic flash floods completely swept away the border immigration office located on the Nepal border. This sudden destruction eliminated the primary overland transit route out of China, leaving the pilgrims isolated and unable to cross back through standard border checkpoints.
Faced with impassable terrain and harsh weather conditions, the group sent an urgent appeal for help to Indian authorities on August 26. They requested official intervention with Chinese administration to secure emergency passage. Indian diplomats acted swiftly upon receiving the distress message, engaging Chinese officials to coordinate the safe exit of the stranded citizens.
High Altitude Hypoxia and Urgent Medical Requirements
Among the six stranded travelers, four are residents of Maharashtra and two are from Delhi. The trip took a critical turn near Lake Mansarovar when two female members of the group, Smita Pawar and Yogini Patil, suffered from severe hypoxia due to extreme high altitude and depleted oxygen levels. As their conditions deteriorated, they were brought down to Gyirong town, where both required continuous supplemental oxygen support.
Fellow travelers and family members noted that the medical facilities available locally in Gyirong were inadequate for their specialized healthcare needs. Consequentially, the emergency request dispatched on August 26 urged authorities to arrange a direct helicopter airlift from Gyirong to Kathmandu so the two women could receive immediate medical attention. Rescue teams are currently guiding them safely toward the border.
Ministry of External Affairs Oversight and Broader Rescue Efforts
This evacuation operation takes place amidst widespread disruptions caused by severe flash flooding across Nepal and adjacent border zones. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that guaranteeing the safety and well-being of disaster-affected Indian nationals remains the highest priority for Indian diplomatic missions. Immediate assistance is being directed toward individuals requiring specialized medical care.
According to official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs, contact has been established with approximately 400 Indian nationals stranded in China following the floods. Indian diplomats maintain active communication with both Chinese and Nepalese government agencies to clear logistical hurdles and ensure the safe return of all impacted citizens.
