Fifteen Russian tourists found themselves stranded in the mountain village of Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, after days of torrential monsoon rainfall and a rapid surge in floodwaters. The confirmation came through reports cited by the Russian Embassy in India, relayed via Ani News Agency. Authorities from Kasol and the broader district are coordinating with regional police to determine the travelers’ safety and immediate needs while arranging evacuation when it becomes feasible. The situation highlights the vulnerability of small hillside communities to sudden weather events and the challenges of managing cross-border travel in remote terrains.
Satwant Atwal Trivedi, the acting chief of police for Himachal Pradesh, stated that the embassy had informed local authorities about the stranded group. He indicated that a rescue and recovery plan was being formulated and would be executed as soon as conditions allowed for safe movement along the affected routes. Local police and disaster response teams are actively attempting to establish contact with the Russians, assess their health, and provide essentials, including food, water, and shelter if needed. The priority remains to verify their location, monitor their welfare, and facilitate a coordinated evacuation with minimal risk to all parties involved.
The floods have claimed at least 41 lives across northern India, with the heaviest impact in the foothills of the Himalayas. Heavy rains over five days triggered multiple landslides, breached river banks, and inundated numerous settlements. In several mountainous districts, critical transportation corridors were damaged or completely blocked, isolating communities and stranding numerous visitors and residents. The aftermath has stressed search-and-rescue operations, disrupted supply chains, and complicated the movement of relief personnel and equipment through narrow, winding roads carved into the hillsides.
Authorities note that the intensity and duration of the rainfall exceeded typical seasonal patterns, exacerbating the risk to infrastructure and public safety. Rescue teams have prioritized evacuation efforts for the most vulnerable travelers and residents, while engineers and local officials assess road stability and potential alternative routes. Weather forecasts indicate that while the immediate danger from rainfall may ease, ongoing drainage and stabilization work will be necessary to prevent further incidents and ensure safe access for evacuees and relief convoys alike. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust disaster preparedness in mountainous regions and for clear, timely communication between foreign visitors and local authorities to coordinate safe outcomes.
Earlier reports had linked the flood events to the broader monsoon system affecting the region, with some accounts noting unusual rainfall intensity during this season. As operations continue, officials emphasize keeping the public informed about evacuation timelines, road conditions, and boundary security along transit routes used for relief and resupply. The international community remains watchful, and consular teams continue to assist the stranded group while working with local authorities to secure their safe return. (Source: Russian Embassy via Ani News Agency)