21 residents of Tamil Nadu rescued from Nepal arrive in Chennai

Rural Development Minister N. Anand receiving the returnees at the Chennai airport on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Twenty-one residents of Tamil Nadu, who were among the pilgrims rescued from Nepal, arrived in Chennai late on Friday night after being brought back to India via New Delhi.The pilgrims, who are from Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai, were part of a group of friends and relatives who were travelling together. They were evacuated from Nepal following flash floods that left several Indian tourists and pilgrims stranded.Speaking after their return, one of the pilgrims said they were moved to a rescue camp and later to an Army camp before being taken to the Indian Embassy. From there, they were flown to New Delhi as part of the evacuation efforts and subsequently travelled to Chennai.“We were travelling in three vans. Luckily, our van was at a turning when a huge wave hit the road ahead of us. Two other vans were standing nearby, but our vehicle managed to escape, and we were not caught in the floods. The Indian Embassy contacted us two or three times to check on us, and the State government also extended help,” a pilgrim said.Rural Development Minister N. Anand was among those who received the pilgrims in Chennai. N. Anand said the State government was taking all necessary measures for the pilgrims’ safe return and welfare. He said four Ministers were coordinating the arrangements, and they were in regular consultation with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.Earlier on Friday, Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar, along with Tamil Nadu Ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Rajmohan, R. Vinoth, and K. Thennarasu, welcomed the 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu in New Delhi following their rescue from Nepal. Published - August 28, 2026 11:22 pm IST