Stranded in Nepal: Maldivian Marine Biologist caught in the chaos

Three weeks ago, Nafha Asim (Naf) was excited to begin her journey to Nepal. As a passionate marine biologist, she was representing the Maldives at the Climate Justice Forum, a rare and prestigious opportunity offered to SAARC countries. It was a big step in her career and a chance to explore new horizons.

After the forum wrapped up, Naf took some well-earned time to explore the country. She documented her travels through Nepal, sharing breathtaking scenes and moments on social media. But just as her trip was about to end, everything changed.

Unrest began brewing in Nepal, after a nationwide social media ban and escalating protests that eventually turned violent. Naf was in Kathmandu when the situation deteriorated. After returning to her hotel from a peaceful hike in the Himalayas on Monday night, she had no idea what was coming.

Naf was scheduled to leave Nepal the following afternoon, flying with IndiGo Airlines at 3:05 PM via Mumbai back to the Maldives. Wanting to avoid roadblocks and heavy traffic caused by protests, she left her hotel early, at 8:00 AM, well ahead of the planned demonstrations, which were expected to begin at 9:00 AM.

Despite the chaos, she made it to the airport by 9:00 AM and checked in without any trouble. But soon after, the situation worsened.

While waiting at the gate, a fire broke out near the airport runway. As tensions rose, flights were canceled one by one. By 3:30 PM, Naf’s flight was officially canceled.

“I knew then that if arson had begun, there was no way I’d be able to leave,” she told Miharu.

She was no longer just a traveler, she was stranded.

Another Maldivian who had been at the airport with her returned to his family in Kathmandu. That left Naf completely alone, the only Maldivian still inside the airport.

“I decided to stay in the airport,” she said, after hearing reports that even hotels were being set on fire.

Inside the airport, there was no food or basic support. Naf said that over 125 Indian nationals were also stranded there, and the only food available came from the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

Since the Maldives does not have an embassy in Nepal, the Maldivian Embassy in Delhi has been monitoring Naf’s situation remotely. If flights don’t resume soon, she said, the embassy is exploring the possibility of getting her on an Indian rescue flight out of Nepal.

One of the most frightening moments came when protesters entered the airport and began rioting. For Naf, who often travels solo and has visited many countries, this was a completely new and deeply unsettling experience.

“I’ve never been through anything like this,” she said. Now, all she wants is to leave Nepal safely.

“I’ve never been through anything like this,” she said. Now, all she wants is to leave Nepal safely.

“I’ve never been through anything like this,” she said. Now, all she wants is to leave Nepal safely.

“I’ve never been through anything like this,” she said. Now, all she wants is to leave Nepal safely.