First batch of stranded Telugus reaches Delhi

New Delhi: With relief writ large on their faces and profusely showering thanks on the Indian Air Force and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) personnel for airlifting them from the quake hit Nepal, the first batch of those who were trapped in Nepal reached Andhra Pradesh/Telangana Bhavan premises on Sunday morning in the early hours.

Numbering about 55, these men and women walked into the Bhavans and sat on the available chairs and spaces. While 36 of these are from Hyderabad, 19 belong to AP.Sudarshan of Hyderabad described the scene there. “There was no drinking water, no mobile or telephone connections. We had to go without food till we reached Delhi. Absence of commuting facilities due to damaged roads prevented many of the tourists from reaching the airport. We were lucky enough.”

Madhu, another tourist, said, “We saw buildings collapsing and trees and poles falling on people, seriously injuring them. Fear gripped us and we ran to safety. All that we had was yesterday's breakfast and till now nothing at all.” At Karnataka Bhavan on the Sardar Patel Road in Chanakyapuri, a group of 24 tourists from Bangalore was recovering from the shock when the tremors were felt yet again at 12.45 on Sunday afternoon. The Kathmandu returnees came running out of the rooms into the open.

Vijaya, a member of the team, said, “If there is a God, it is our Air Force. We had no hopes at all. But, when we saw our transport flight landing, there were tears in our eyes. And when the flight took off and when one of the officers came out to greet us, we felt pride at being Indian. The speed and precision with which they operated was amazing.”