Odisha govt tracks Odia nationals stranded in Nepal after flash floods
Synopsis
While six Khordha footballers are confirmed safe 300 km from Nepal's worst-hit zones, an Odia couple based in Australia — Sandeep Mohapatra and Siddharthi Kumari Sahu — remain missing after arriving in Nepal on 22 August, with their phones switched off. Odisha's government has escalated the case to the Ministry of External Affairs as communication blackouts complicate rescue tracking.
Key Takeaways
Odisha minister Suryabanshi Suraj confirmed on 27 August that the state is coordinating with the Centre to trace Odias stranded in Nepal after flash floods.
Around six football players from Khordha district are safe, located nearly 300 km from the worst-affected area, and are due to return by 30 August .
Sandeep Mohapatra and Siddharthi Kumari Sahu , an Odia couple based in Australia , have been missing since arriving in Nepal on 22 August ; their phones are switched off.
Their details have been shared with the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent follow-up.
A state helpline has been activated; communication disruptions due to damaged network infrastructure are hampering relief efforts.
The total number of affected Odias is not yet confirmed and may take another one to two days to compile.
The Odisha government is in active coordination with the Government of India and its deployed officials to trace and assist Odia tourists and residents stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods, state minister Suryabanshi Suraj said on Thursday, 27 August. Suraj, who holds the portfolios of Youth and Sports Services and Odia Language, Literature and Culture, said the exact count of affected Odias remains unavailable and may take another day or two to compile.
Football Players from Khordha Safe, Return Scheduled
A group of approximately six football players from Khordha district, who had travelled to Nepal for a programme organised by a national-level institution, are confirmed safe. The players are reportedly stationed nearly 300 km from the worst-affected zones and are scheduled to return by 30 August. Officials are maintaining regular contact with their coach, and the players' families have been informed.
Missing Odia Couple from Australia-Based Family
Among the most concerning cases is that of an Odia couple — Sandeep Mohapatra and Siddharthi Kumari Sahu — both residents of Khordha district who have been based in Australia since 2018. The couple arrived in Nepal on 22 August for a vacation and have since gone missing, with their phone numbers switched off. Officials have gathered their details from Mohapatra's sister and forwarded them to the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent action.
Communication Disruptions Hampering Relief Efforts
Minister Suraj acknowledged that damaged network infrastructure across several flood-hit areas in Nepal has severely disrupted communication, making it difficult for stranded individuals to contact their families. A dedicated Odisha government officer has been assigned to stay in continuous contact with stranded Odias and coordinate assistance on the ground.
Helpline Issued, Monitoring Continues
The state government has activated a helpline number to assist families of those believed to be in Nepal. Suraj noted that many tourists have already begun returning, while officials are closely tracking those still in the country. Odisha authorities are working in tandem with India's nodal officers in Nepal to identify affected individuals and relay information to their families at home. The government is also in constant contact with the Union Home Department as the situation continues to evolve.
Point of View
Forcing officials to piece together numbers reactively. The case of the missing Australia-based Odia couple underscores that diaspora Indians transiting through third countries fall into a coordination grey zone between state governments, the Centre, and Indian missions abroad. With communication infrastructure across Nepal's flood-hit regions severely damaged, the window for timely intervention is narrowing, and the absence of a confirmed headcount two days into the crisis raises questions about the speed of inter-governmental information sharing.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Odia nationals are confirmed missing in Nepal after the flash floods?
An Odia couple, Sandeep Mohapatra and Siddharthi Kumari Sahu from Khordha district, are missing in Nepal. The couple, who have been based in Australia since 2018, arrived in Nepal on 22 August for a vacation; their phones have been switched off since the floods.
Are the Odia football players safe in Nepal?
Yes, around six football players from Khordha district are confirmed safe and are reportedly staying nearly 300 km from the worst-affected flood zones. They are scheduled to return by 30 August, and officials are in regular contact with their coach.
What is the Odisha government doing to help those stranded in Nepal?
The Odisha government has activated a helpline, assigned a dedicated officer to coordinate with stranded Odias, and is working with Centre-deployed officials in Nepal. Details of the missing couple have been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent action.
Why is it difficult to get an exact count of Odias stranded in Nepal?
Flash flood damage has severely disrupted communication networks across several areas in Nepal, making it hard for stranded individuals to contact their families or officials. The minister said the total count may take another one to two days to compile.
How can families of people stranded in Nepal contact Odisha authorities?
The Odisha government has issued a dedicated helpline number for families whose relatives are believed to be in Nepal. Officials are also coordinating with India's nodal officers in Nepal to relay information back to families in Odisha.
