India, Feb. 13 -- The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi on Friday urged its citizens to exercise caution before taking up overseas employment, following the deaths of nine Nepali nationals in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya.

A total of 31 people were killed in the February 5 blast at an allegedly illegal rat-hole coal mine in Thangskai, East Jaintia Hills district. Several of the victims were migrant workers, including nine from Nepal. Seven other Nepali nationals were injured and are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Expressing "deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the embassy prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and a speedy recovery for those injured.

"The embassy is in continuous contact with the Ministry of...