Families of Canadians reported missing after devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border are anxiously awaiting information as rescue operations continue across the Himalayan region.
Among those missing are Dhaval Shah and his wife, Megha Shah, from Port Moody, British Columbia, who were in Nepal on a spiritual journey when the floods struck. Dhaval’s brother, Kheval Shah, said the family is desperate for confirmation that the couple has been rescued or located.
Nepali authorities reported Saturday that 669 people had died in Nepal and 2,426 remained missing. Including casualties and missing people reported in Tibet, the combined toll had reached 676 deaths and nearly 3,000 missing.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that 32 Canadians and permanent residents were reported missing in the affected region. She also confirmed that one of those missing Canadians has since been located safely.
The Nepal Tourism Board said 121 foreign nationals had been rescued, although no Canadians were among those rescued at the time of the report. Many of the people still missing are believed to have been traveling on pilgrimages to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred destination for several religions.
Kheval Shah said he last heard from his brother on Monday, while a cousin was able to communicate with the couple on Tuesday. He believes they may have been waiting near the Tibet border for immigration offices to reopen when the floods struck.
He has called on the Canadian government to press Nepal for more information and to intensify efforts to locate missing Canadians.
The disaster has also disrupted telecommunications and transportation across affected areas, making it difficult for families abroad to establish contact with loved ones.
Canada has announced $5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for Nepal, with funding expected to support organizations such as the Red Cross in delivering aid to people affected by the disaster. More than 3,700 people had been rescued in Nepal by Saturday.
As rescue teams continue their search, families of the missing remain in a painful wait for answers, hoping that more survivors will be found and reunited with their loved ones.
Swifteradio.com
