Families Arrive in Nepal as Search Continues
Relatives of British nationals missing after catastrophic floods in Nepal are traveling to the country to assist in the search. Nepalese authorities on Friday released a list of 573 tourists still unaccounted for, including 33 British nationals. The death toll has risen to at least 469, with hundreds more missing, according to official estimates.[S1][S2][S5]
The unaccounted-for individuals include pilgrims and tourists en route to Mount Kailash, a revered Hindu destination. The Trekkers' Society has reported that nine British nationals from one of its excursions are missing, while Alpine Eco Trek has been unable to reach 12 Britons booked on a trip, among them a 13-year-old girl. Additionally, four Nepali guides employed by the company are unaccounted for.[S1][S2][S4]
Desperate Pleas from Loved Ones
Naresh Goyal, whose sister Neetu Goyal Tiwari is among the missing, has made an emotional plea to authorities, saying, "Please help us find her." Tiwari, aged 51, had journeyed to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage she had long dreamed of. Her husband, Shantanu, mentioned that she was at the Gyirong checkpoint when the floods occurred, so China is coordinating the search efforts.[S1]
Sunil Amin, from Croydon, described his ordeal trying to contact his missing wife, Hema Amin, 63, who was on a pilgrimage with Alpine Eco Trek. "I keep trying to call her. I've been trying, trying, trying," he told Sky News. Pramod Poudel, from Uckfield, flew to Nepal to search for his wife, mother, brother, and uncle, saying, "There is no proper communication so I can't communicate with them."[S4][S5][S6]
Government Response and Ongoing Risks
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK has pledged £5 million in aid to Nepal, describing the situation as "very distressing and devastating." King Charles expressed that he and the Queen were "heartbroken" by the catastrophe. The flooding began early Wednesday in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu, following a glacial collapse that unleashed a surge of water and debris.[S1][S2]
Authorities have cautioned about the potential for additional flooding from a barrier lake that has formed where the Tsogyal and Purupqiangzangbu rivers meet, which could breach. The US Geological Survey determined that the event was triggered by a "glacial collapse and debris flow" rather than an earthquake. Rescue operations are ongoing despite concerns about a possible second flood wave.[S1][S5]
