Guwahati: Seven women, all members of a group on pilgrimage, of Assam’s main city Guwahati have been confirmed killed in the devastating earthquake in Nepal, official sources said on Monday.
The deceased were members of a 26-member group on a pilgrimage to Nepal from various parts of the city, conducted by a leading travel agency. While five of the women were from Hengrabari area of the city, one hailed from Narikalbari and another Bhangagarh area. Family members of some of the victims have already rushed to Nepal, while others are being facilitated by the government to reach the neighbouring country.
It is not clear if the bodies will be brought back to Guwahati or the cremation will take place in Nepal itself.
Reports here said the authorities have requested the families of the deceased to cremate the bodies in Nepal as the bodies were decomposed.
Meanwhile, over 20 people from Assam, who have been evacuated from Nepal following the quake reached Guwahati on Monday.
They reached Guwahati in several batches in flights of different airlines since Monday morning and are being facilitated by the government to reach their homes.
Several more survivors from Assam have already reached New Delhi through special flights, while another group is on their way back in a special bus.
Talking to reporters at the airport here, the survivors narrated horror tales of the quake and aftermath, sighting in relief at reaching their home state.
A few of the survivors are in an injured state and are being provided medical assistance by the government.
State government sources had said here earlier that 90 people, including 59 tourists, from Assam were in Nepal when the earthquake struck on Saturday forenoon. Several of the people are still untraced.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has directed Additional Deputy General (ADG) of Assam Police Umesh Kumar to leave for Kathmandu immediately to look after the arrangements for the people of Assam stranded in Nepal and to take necessary measures for their safe evacuation.
The state government has also opened helpline numbers for aid of families of those stranded. (UNI)
