Naveen Patnaik Mourns Nepal Flood Victims, Urges Swift Rescue

Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the devastating flash floods and mudslides in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River that have claimed hundreds of lives.

As of August 27, 2026, 359 bodies have been recovered, while 910 people remain missing.

Patnaik extended condolences to the bereaved families and voiced concern for missing Indians, urging swift rescue and relief operations.

Among those untraceable is an Odia couple, Sandeep Mohapatra and Siddharthi Kumari Sahu from Khordha district, who were vacationing in Nepal while based in Australia.

Their details have been shared with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Odisha’s Youth and Sports Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj confirmed that state authorities are coordinating with Indian officials in Nepal to identify and assist affected Odias.

The exact number of Odia tourists impacted is still being compiled. Meanwhile, the MEA reported that 290 Indians remain uncontactable after the disaster.