Multiple UK-linked individuals missing after devastating Nepal flash floods
Over 600 confirmed dead with UK search teams arriving in Kathmandu
A number of individuals with connections to the UK are reported missing following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, with fears mounting that they may be among the hundreds of fatalities.
The tragic event has claimed over 600 lives, and a UK team is set to arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday to join efforts in addressing the disaster's aftermath.
The Nepal Tourist Board reported that there are 33 UK citizens among the many missing since the floods hit on Wednesday.
Missing individuals with UK ties
Among those missing is Hema Amin from Croydon, south London, who was embarking on a pilgrimage to Gosainkunda lake, as well as Hemangini Patel who was last seen on a video crossing into Tibet.
Coventry residents Bipin and Mala Patel were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and were last heard from in the Gyirong area on the Nepal-China border.
Nabhi Nandan Das, a Hindu priest from Streatham, south London, was leading a group to Mount Kailash when the flood struck, including a 13-year-old girl and several other Britons.
A Surrey family - consisting of Spandan Sahu, his parents Santosh Sahu and Surabhi Manmath Padhy, and sister Syna Kumari Sahu - were also affected. The family was known for their connections to local interests and the UK pharmaceutical industry.
Pavan and Kavita Haldia were on a pilgrimage with the South London Sanatan Mandir group and are missed deeply by their son Prajval.
Others include Leena Bector from Slough, Sarada Simkhada from Kent, and Pravin Atmakur, an NHS psychiatry consultant leading a pilgrimage when the flood occurred.
Nepalese street food company owner Pramod Poudel from Sussex flew to Nepal to search for several missing relatives.
Neetu Goyal Tiwari embarked on her dream pilgrimage with the Isha Foundation group, and Geetha Reddy's family in London awaits news.
Ongoing efforts and challenges
As relatives and friends make desperate attempts to establish contact and locate their loved ones amid the ongoing chaos, frustrations have been expressed regarding the lack of information and support.
The British government is monitoring the situation and awaiting updates from China to assist those searching for missing relatives.
The impact of this natural disaster extends beyond the immediate challenges, as families struggle with uncertainty and worry for those who remain unaccounted for or confirmed lost.