Guwahati: Five people from Assam who were reported missing or untraced after the devastating flash floods in Nepal have been confirmed safe, even as efforts continue to trace others from the state.
According to the latest information released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), Pankaj Barman and Samar Bezbarua from Nalbari, along with Shiva Marak, Sarbison Marak and Elipson Sangma from West Karbi Anglong, have been confirmed safe.
The development comes as rescue and search operations continue in Nepal following the devastating Bhote Koshi River flash floods of August 26. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that hundreds of people had been rescued, while a large number remained unaccounted for as authorities continued search operations in the affected areas.
Among the Assam residents whose whereabouts have attracted concern are retired Gauhati University physics teacher Dipali Sarkar, her husband Manash Ghosh and Dr Tirtha Chaliha of Nalbari Medical College and Hospital. Dipali Sarkar and Manash Ghosh were part of a 32-member group that had travelled towards Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet.
Other people reported untraced include Rhituopurno Brahma, Montri Basumatary, Soneswar Narzary, Rahul Daimary, Shatadal Nath, Pankaj Naug, Arun Mahanta and Birson Sangma.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the state government is in contact with the families and coordinating with the concerned agencies to establish contact with those who remain untraced and facilitate their safe return.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities in both Nepal and Assam continuing to update the lists as survivors are located and information from families is verified. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has specifically urged the public and media to rely on officially verified information because casualty and missing-person figures are changing as search operations continue.
