Andhra Pilgrims Escape Nepal Flash Flood Thanks to Local Warning and Quick Driver Action
A group of 26 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh avoided a deadly flash flood in Nepal after locals warned the bus driver, who reversed the vehicle just minutes before waters surged.
Twenty-six pilgrims from Tirupati, on a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, left Kathmandu at 6 a.m. on August 25 and paused for a tea break. While they were stopped, the driver of a bus ahead warned them that flash floods were approaching, and the driver quickly backed the vehicle to safety, putting the group about 100 metres ahead of the surge. A companion bus that continued on the route was struck by the flood and collided with a bridge.
The rescued pilgrims expressed gratitude to local residents, the driver, and Indian authorities, including the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India. The incident occurred as Nepal’s flood death toll rose to 547, with nearly a thousand people still missing and rescue operations ongoing.
Why it matters
It shows how timely local warnings can prevent disaster casualties during extreme weather events.
How this story developed
- Aug 27 Flash Floods from Glacial Collapse Leave Hundreds Dead and Thousands Missing on Nepal-Tibet Border
- Aug 27 The United Nations pledged $2 million for relief efforts.
- Aug 27 The US Department of State said 90 Americans were unaccounted for in China and Nepal and it was not aware of any US deaths.
- Aug 28 Families of 39 Australians still missing after deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet are pleading for any information as a communications blackout hampers contact.
- Aug 28 Authorities warned that the debris‑clogged river and rising water in a blocked lake could cause additional flooding downstream.
- Aug 28 Rescue operations were halted for roughly one and a half hours after the lake began to overflow.
- Aug 28 Death toll reported to have risen above 500 and missing persons count listed at about 977.
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