15 Tourists from Rattihalli Taluk Safe After Narrow Escape in Nepal Flash Floods

A group of 15 tourists, including members of six families from Rattihalli taluk in Haveri district, narrowly escaped disaster after severe flash floods and landslides devastated parts of Nepal. The team had embarked on a pilgrimage and sightseeing trip from Bengaluru on August 23. After traveling via Gorakhpur and Pokhara, the group visited the revered Muktinath temple on August 25 before beginning their return journey. Trouble began during their return from Muktinath when torrential downpours triggered catastrophic landslides along their travel route. The tourists had crossed the Kushma Kaiya suspension bridge—one of Asia's highest suspension bridges—just hours before it was completely washed away by raging floodwaters on August 26. Realizing the severity of the situation as they approached Kathmandu, the group turned back and sought shelter at a safer location near Pokhara, roughly 50 kilometers away from the main disaster area. For families back home in Rattihalli town and surrounding villages, news of the stranded travelers caused immense anxiety. However, relief spread across the taluk once direct contact was established with the group near Pokhara. Local authorities in Haveri coordinated with state administration to monitor their safety. The travelers subsequently took an alternative route toward Ayodhya before safely completing their journey back to Karnataka.