26 Andhra Pilgrims Bound for Kailash Mansarovar Narrowly Escape Nepal Flash Floods

A group of 26 pilgrims from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, travelling towards the China border for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, narrowly escaped devastating flash floods in Nepal after a timely warning from locals prompted their bus driver to reverse to safety.

The incident took place on August 25 along the route from Kathmandu towards the border. The pilgrims had earlier been delayed for two days, staying at a hotel in the Nepalese capital while awaiting visa clearances.

After obtaining clearances, the group departed Kathmandu at around 6:00 am on the morning of August 25. While travelling, the bus stopped along the route for a brief tea break, a pause that ultimately prevented them from driving directly into the path of the floodwaters.

According to an account shared by a pilgrim following their return to Delhi, the brief halt and subsequent warnings from local residents proved critical. The bus driver was alerted to the unfolding danger ahead and managed to reverse the vehicle just minutes before the surge swept through the area.

The pilgrim noted that another bus travelling alongside their group was caught in the disaster and collided with a bridge. The group of 26 was approximately 100 metres from the flood zone when the vehicle was turned back, allowing all passengers on board to avoid the collision and reach safety.