Kathmandu: Fears mount over the safety of a group of elderly Keralites who have been stranded in Nepal. Reports said that a Malappuram woman, part of the group returning from Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage in Tibet, died of high-altitude sickness at Simikot town in Nepal. If military helicopters are not called in, the situation could worsen.

Leela Mahendra Narayan, 56, from Wandoor died at Simikot, the headquarter of Humla district, on Sunday, Kathmandu Post reported. Other four Keralites on the trip are safe - Kozhikode native Chandran Puthussery, 65, wife Vanajakshi, 62, Perinthalmanna natives Lakshmidevi, 57, and Ramadevi, 62.

According to sub-inspector of police at Simikot Airport, Leela died of decreased level of oxygen in her body. Her dead body is still at the Simikot Airport as flights from here have been disrupted since June 31 following heavy rain and strong winds.

Around 400 passengers, including Indian tourists, are stranded at the airport, while around 150 passengers are stranded at Kohilsa check point at Simikot, according to the Civil Aviation Office there.

Though the Centre has assured of help, it is yet to intervene in the issue.

Though there is no shortage of food, there are chances of medicines getting used up as the group comprises many elders. Though rescue operations are being carried out by Nepal tour operator, it is reportedly asking Rs 11,000 per person to be taken to Nepalgunj, on the border with India.

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