Thiruvananthapuram: Sixty people from Kerala who were suspected to be stranded in Nepal following flash floods have been confirmed safe, while eight Keralites, including four Australian citizens, remain uncontactable, the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department said on Friday. 

NORKA Roots, the Kerala government agency responsible for coordinating overseas affairs and welfare services for non-resident Keralites, said it had compiled details of 82 people whose whereabouts were being tracked.

Eight Keralites remain uncontactable

NORKA Roots Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Madhavan said the details of the eight uncontactable Keralites, including the four Australian citizens, had been shared with the Ministry of External Affairs.

The agency said the list was prepared after verifying information received through the offices of the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, the State Disaster Management Authority and NORKA Roots help desks up to Thursday evening.

Of the 82 people on the list, 60 Keralites in Nepal have reported that they are safe. The remaining 14 people are from other states, and their details have also been shared with the Ministry of External Affairs and the respective state governments.

Kailash Mansarovar group continues journey

A 23-member Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage group, including 19 people from Kerala, is continuing its journey from Darchen in Tibet towards Saga, NORKA Roots said.

The group is expected to reach Saga by Friday evening. It is scheduled to travel from Saga to Kathmandu on the morning of August 29 through the Kodari-Nyalam border crossing.

The pilgrims are expected to return to India by air from Kathmandu on August 31.

NORKA Roots said it was coordinating with the concerned authorities and monitoring the group's movement.

Some Keralites reach India

The agency has also received information that some Keralites who were in Nepal have travelled to India and reached Darjeeling in West Bengal.

Some others have reported being safe in the Mount Everest region, it said.

NORKA Roots also received information about one person who last contacted their family from Thulo Syabru in Nepal's Langtang region. Another person was reported to be facing travel difficulties in Jajarkot in Karnali Province.

Assistance for those returning home

The Kerala government has also made arrangements to help Keralites who enter India from Nepal reach their homes in Kerala, following directions from the Chief Minister's Office.

Those requiring assistance can contact NORKA Roots help desks or the Delhi NRK Development Office, the agency said.