Earthquake: At least 250 Keralites stranded in Nepal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At least 250 Keralites are said to be stranded in quake-hit Nepal and efforts are on to bring them back safely, State Minister for NORKA K C Joseph today said.

Kerala NORKA (Non Resident Keralites Affairs) Minister, presently in New Delhi to monitor the evacuation of Keralites, said though they do not have the exact number of Keralites stranded in Nepal, as per information with the Government, 250 people from the state have to be evacuated.

"Efforts are on to bring the stranded Keralites to India as early as possible even though rescue operations were becoming difficult due to the magnitude of the quake which has claimed over 3,000 lives so far," he told PTI.

Meanwhile, for the families of three young doctors from Kerala, who are on a visit to Nepal, it is a nightmarish experience as they are awaiting news about their wards.

While one of the doctors -- Dr Abin Suri has been rescued with serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu, his two friends Dr Irshad and Dr Deepak Thomas are said to be safe.

The minister said, "Government has information that Dr Irshad and Dr Deepak Thomas are safe, but they are yet to be traced. We were told by Red Cross earlier that the two doctors were safe," he said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has assured that Dr Suri would be brought to New Delhi by the first available flight today. But so far his evacuation has not been possible, he said.

Dr Abin's relieved mother, Prof Anitha, Principal of the Manthavady Government college, told PTI that she had spoken to her son this morning.

"He has some renal problem and needs immediate shifting to India for better treatment," she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in a Facebook post said around 56 Keralites have reached India after travelling about 150-200 km by road. They have been asked to contact Kerala House, New Delhi where all help will be provided to them.

Chandy also praised the rescue efforts by the Indian Army personnel. "Indian army's rescue mission in Nepal is commendable. I wish them all the best for their efforts in Nepal," he added.