India says ‘situation under control’ as 200 Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims get stranded in Nepal
The Indian Embassy said it was in touch with the pilgrims and would evacuate them as soon as the weather improves.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal said on Sunday it was in touch with around 200 Indian pilgrims stranded in the northwestern town of Simikot because of bad weather during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
“Situation is under control and all stranded pilgrims would be evacuated as soon as weather clears up,” the embassy said in a statement. “The embassy representatives are taking all necessary action for the pilgrims well being.”
1/2. Embassy is aware that about 200 pilgrims stuck in Simikot due to bad weather & are in continual touch with them and their family members. Situation is under control and all stranded pilgrims would be evacuated as soon as weather clears up.
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) August 5, 2018
According to the embassy, 124 pilgrims were stranded in Simikot on Saturday evening and 50 people were either in Hilsa or were about to reach the town, ANI reported. Simikot has basic boarding and lodging facilities for up to 500 pilgrims, the embassy said in a statement.
Last month, the embassy had evacuated 1,430 pilgrims who got stranded in Simikot and Hilsa while returning from the pilgrimage. They had been stranded for five days as rain blocked transportation routes.