Bengaluri, 27 August (H.S.):The Karnataka Revenue Department has activated the State Emergency Operation Centre and opened dedicated helplines to collect information about people from the State who may be stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods and disruptions along the Nepal-Tibet border.

The department has asked stranded travellers, their relatives and tour operators to submit relevant details through a Google document shared by the authorities. The information collected through the form will be used to identify affected residents, establish contact with them and coordinate assistance and rescue operations.

Officials said the Revenue Department was working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and coordinating with the Indian embassies in Nepal and Beijing to trace stranded people and facilitate their safe evacuation. Authorities have urged families to provide accurate information, including contact numbers, travel details and the last known location of missing or stranded persons.

People requiring assistance can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre by dialling 1070 or 080-22253707. Information can also be sent by email to seockarnataka@gmail.com.

The emergency measures were announced after massive flash floods in the Bhotekoshi river caused widespread destruction in Nepal's Rasuwa district on August 26. Several villages were inundated, while roads and other transport links near the Nepal-Tibet border were severely disrupted.

According to preliminary information, around 133 Indian nationals have been reported missing in the disaster. Rescue agencies are attempting to establish their whereabouts and determine whether they are stranded in areas cut off by flooding or landslides.

The Karnataka government has advised residents travelling in Nepal to remain in safe locations, follow instructions issued by local authorities and maintain contact with Indian diplomatic officials. Families in Karnataka have been requested to immediately share information about relatives whose whereabouts are unknown.

The State Emergency Operation Centre will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with central agencies until all affected residents from Karnataka are located and provided the necessary assistance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman