Twenty three of the 24 persons of Madhya Pradesh identified in earthquake-affected Kathmandu in Nepal have safely left for their homes after crossing border via Uttar Pradesh and Bihar last night while the remaining one person is safe at the base camp.

It is noteworthy that apart from activating State Disaster Emergency Relief Team, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had also sent Additional Director general (ADG) Alok Pateria and Protocol Officer Sunil Pasricha from Madhya Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi to Nepal so that all stranded people of the state could be safely brought back from there.

Both the officers are still in Kathmandu and discharging entrusted tasks efficiently. The State disaster management team activated on the initiative of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sent off all identified residents of Madhya Pradesh from Kathmandu by bus. Of these, a team of 20 people of Shahdol reached Gorakhpur after crossing Sonoli border late last night.

Collector Shahdol has ensured safe return of these people through Collector Gorakhpur by establishing constant contact with team leader Mohan lal Rathore. Similarly, a family from Chhapara in Seoni district comprising Banshi lal Daheriya, his wife and daughter reached Bihar after crossing Nepal border by bus late last night. Arrangements for safe return of the family have been ensured through local administration.

Resident of Satna Ratnesh Pandey had accompanied an international team for trekking. He was rescued through Government helicopter on April 27 itself. Ratnesh Pandey is safe at base camp in Nepal. It is noteworthy that one of affected families of Madhya Pradesh was brought from Kathmandu to Madhya Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.

Those who returned safely said that earthquake has caused heavy devastation in Kathmandu. Most of the buildings have suffered damage. People are facing deep crisis of power, water and communications. Roads have also developed cracks at many places.