Nepal floods: Andhra Pradesh opens Delhi control room for stranded residents
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Andhra Pradesh government activated emergency protocols on 27 August over devastating flash floods in Nepal, setting up a dedicated control room at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi to assist state residents and pilgrims stranded in the disaster zone. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to identify and evacuate all Andhra Pradesh residents caught in the flooding.
Control Room Details and Emergency Contacts
The control room at AP Bhavan, New Delhi is reachable at 011-23384016 and 011-23387089, with a WhatsApp helpline at 9059824101. Stranded passengers and pilgrims have been urged to remain calm and contact the helpline immediately with their name, passport number, exact location, contact number, number of persons stranded, medical needs, and last known location.
The Real-Time Governance (RTG) wing has been tasked with continuous monitoring to channel assistance to affected pilgrims. AP Bhavan has also shared emergency contact numbers of the Nepal Army, police, and other local authorities to facilitate on-ground coordination.
Scale of the Disaster in Nepal
According to AP Bhavan, at least 95 bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Trishuli River, with hundreds still missing. More than 400 tourists are reportedly unaccounted for, including approximately 130 Indians and 47 Americans. The transit and acclimatisation towns of Syapru Besi and Timure — critical stopovers for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims — have been severely affected.
Initial reports indicate the sudden flooding was triggered not by rainfall but by an ice-rock avalanche in the Lhende River, a detail that complicates standard flood-response protocols. Nepal Army, police, and paramilitary forces are conducting active rescue operations across the affected region.
India Extends Humanitarian Aid to Nepal
India has dispatched 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Nepal to support relief efforts. India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, formally handed over the consignment to Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel. The aid package includes essential relief materials for communities affected by the floods and landslides.
Safety Advisories for Stranded Persons
Stranded individuals have been advised to stay at elevated, safe locations, keep their mobile phones charged, avoid floodwaters, and follow all official evacuation instructions. The Andhra Pradesh government is coordinating with the Centre to streamline rescue and repatriation efforts. As the situation remains fluid, all stranded persons have been urged to maintain contact with their respective embassies.
With hundreds still unaccounted for and rescue operations ongoing, the coming hours will be critical for those stranded in Nepal's flood-hit zones.