37 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, including retired judge, missing in Nepal floods

27 Aug 2026Updated 19 days ago1 source

AI translation — this coverage was originally reported in Tamil; the translation may contain errors. Read the original reports below.

A group of 37 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, including a retired High Court judge, have gone missing after two vans were caught in the Koshi river floods in Nepal. The group of 57 had departed Kumbakonam for a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage on August 23. While 20 pilgrims are confirmed safe, local authorities are gathering details on those missing.

NIKAN Intelligence

What happened

Thirty-seven pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, including a retired High Court judge, went missing in Nepal after sudden floods in the Koshi river caught their vehicles. They were part of a 57-member tour group that left Kumbakonam on August 23 for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Why it matters

This incident affects families across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, including Thanjavur, Chennai, and Cuddalore. It highlights safety concerns for Indian pilgrims during trans-border Himalayan expeditions during the monsoon season.

What we know

  • A 57-member group left Kumbakonam on August 23.
  • The tour was organized by Super Yatra Agency based in Kumbakonam.
  • 20 pilgrims are confirmed safe.
  • 37 pilgrims, including retired judge Shivagnanam, are missing.
  • The incident occurred on August 26 near Syabrubesi, near the Nepal-China border.

What we don't know

  • The exact current condition of the 37 missing pilgrims.
  • Whether rescue operations have successfully located the missing vehicles.

What's next

Local police and revenue officials in Kumbakonam are gathering information and coordinating with higher authorities for rescue updates.

Generated by NIKAN's analysis engine from the cited reports only. Nothing here is invented; gaps are shown as unknowns. Always read the original coverage linked below.

Reported by · Read full coverage

NIKAN News aggregates and summarises reporting from independent publishers. Full articles remain the property of the original sources and open on their websites.

AI translation — may contain errors

More coverage

TRENDINGPoliticsKancheepuram

DMK and TVK clash in TN Assembly over Parandur airport project cancellation

A heated debate erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between DMK and TVK members following Chief Minister Vijay's announcement to cancel the Parandur airport project. TVK Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and C.D. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the project was pushed for real estate and private interests. DMK member Thangam Thennarasu strongly defended the original site selection and retorted with sharp counter-allegations.

AI translation — may contain errors

21 days agoSource: ABP Nadu +1 more2 sourcesTrend 81

TRENDINGExplainersKancheepuram

Parandur Airport Project Scrapped: What Happens to Acquired Land Now?

Following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's decision to scrap the proposed ₹27,400-crore Parandur greenfield airport project, questions have arisen regarding the fate of thousands of acres of acquired land. While the move concludes years of protests by farmers and villagers, the state government must now navigate legal provisions under the Land Acquisition Act to determine if the land can be returned to its original owners.

20 days agoSource: The Hindu — Tamil Nadu1 sourceTrend 81

TRENDINGGovernmentKancheepuram

TN Government Drops Parandur Airport Project Citing Farmers Livelihood Concerns

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to drop the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay prioritizing the livelihoods of local farmers and residents. To compensate, the capacity of the current Chennai airport will be expanded through new terminals, while officials look for an alternative location. The opposition DMK has criticized the move, citing potential long-term economic damage to the state.

22 days agoSource: Times of India — Chennai1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGTamil Nadu

Cauvery Dispute: Supreme Court Advises Tamil Nadu to Approach CWMA Over Water Shortfall

The Supreme Court has advised the Tamil Nadu government to approach the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) regarding its demand for proportionate water. The state informed the court that it faced a water shortfall of 17.414 TMC as of August 23, calculated under the pro rata formula.

22 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGGovernment

TN CM Vijay orders safe return of 103 pilgrims stranded in Nepal

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has directed ministers and state officials to coordinate the rescue and safe return of 103 pilgrims from the state. The pilgrims became stranded in Nepal on Wednesday following devastating floods in the country. The state government is monitoring the situation to ensure their safe evacuation.

19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGTamil Nadu

Nepal Floods: 20 Tamil Nadu Tourists Rescued, 83 Others Await Safety

A Tamil Nadu Minister stated that 20 tourists from a 57-member group visiting Nepal from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been rescued. However, rescue efforts for the remaining 34 members of the group have faced delays. Additionally, another group of 49 travellers who departed from Chennai to Nepal are also waiting to be brought to safety.

19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

Back to the newsroom