Baripada: A 20-year-old from Baripada in Mayurbhanj district returned home safely Monday after narrowly escaping the devastation caused by the recent flash floods in Nepal.
Kulsum Nigar reached her home in Natha Sahi under Ward 23 of Baripada town after a long journey, bringing relief to her anxious family.
Kulsum had travelled to Nepal August 21 with a nine-member group for trekking in the Dharpathan region, about 400 kilometres from the worst-affected areas.
The group initially had no information about the disaster because there was no mobile connectivity in the area where they were staying.
After completing the trek and reaching an area under network coverage, they learned through social media and news reports about the worsening situation.
Kulsum then contacted her family and informed them that she was safe.
Her family had been unable to reach her after reports of the floods emerged and approached the district administration for help.
Kulsum later sent an audio message from Dharpathan, allowing her family to establish contact with her August 29.
She began her return journey that evening, travelling fi rst to Pokhara and then by bus to Raxaul near the India-Nepal border.
From Raxaul, she took the Mithila Express to Kolkata and then travelled by bus to Baripada.
Her mother and elder sister Tarannum Nigar wept out of joy and embraced her upon her arrival.
Kulsum and her family prayed for the safe rescue and return of those still stranded in Nepal.