Floods, Hypoxia, And Frontiers: Inside The Diplomatic Evacuation Of 6 Indian Pilgrims From Tibet | Exclusive

The evacuation of six Indian nationals stranded in Jilong, Tibet (controlled by China), following the devastating floods in Nepal, has begun, with the group being brought back to India via Nepal.

The six Indians had been stranded while they were on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They are currently travelling from Jilong towards the Nepal border, and their return is being coordinated under the supervision of the Indian Embassy in China and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Of the six stranded Indians, four are from Maharashtra and two are from Delhi.

Two members of the group, Smita Pawar and Yogini Patil, suffered severe hypoxia, or altitude sickness, during their stay at Mansarovar, according to information given by their family members and acquaintances.

They were subsequently brought down to Jilong city and required continuous oxygen support. The group had expressed concern that the medical facilities available locally were inadequate for their condition.

Border route disrupted by flash floods

The Indian nationals had sought urgent assistance after a sudden flash flood washed away the immigration office at the Nepal border, leaving them without a viable land route to exit Tibet.

In an emergency request submitted to Indian authorities on August 26, the group appealed for intervention with the Chinese authorities and sought an emergency airlift or helicopter evacuation from Jilong directly to Kathmandu, particularly in view of the medical condition of the two women.

The group was staying at a hotel in Jilong city and was travelling on valid Kailash Mansarovar group visas.

With the intervention and coordination of Indian authorities, the evacuation process has now commenced. The six are being facilitated to travel from China to India through Nepal.

Around 400 Indians still stranded

The evacuation comes amid a larger crisis affecting Indian pilgrims and tourists following the flash floods in Nepal and adjoining areas.

Around 400 Indian nationals are reportedly still stranded in China in the aftermath of the floods. Indian diplomatic authorities are maintaining contact with the stranded Indians and coordinating with the Chinese and Nepali sides to facilitate their safe movement.

The MEA and Indian missions are giving priority to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals affected by the disaster, particularly those requiring urgent assistance.