Dartford Nurse among those missing after devastating Nepal flash floods
Sarada Simkhada, currently missing, is a senior nurse at Darent Valley Hospital
A woman from Kent has been named as one of the 33 Britons currently missing in Nepal.
33 British nationals are among hundreds of people missing and feared dead as rescue efforts continue following flooding in the Rasuwa district, which borders China’s autonomous region of Tibet.
Local Councillor Kelly Grehan said on Facebook:
'Sending love to Dartford Nepali Samaj after the horrific flash floods in Nepal, and particularly the family of Darent Valley Hospital (DVH) nurse Sarada Simkhada who is currently missing.'
While Councillor Victoria Akintomide-Akinwamide added:
'Sending huge love and solidarity to Dartford Nepali Samaj and the wider Nepali community following the devastating flash floods in Nepal.
'My thoughts are especially with the family and loved ones of Darent Valley Hospital nurse, Sarada Simkhada, who is currently missing. Sarada, her family and everyone affected in my thoughts and prayers.'
In an update on Friday morning, Nepal Police said 475 people had died while Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said 977 people remained unaccounted for and more than 3,000 had been rescued.
On Thursday, the authority said 517 foreign nationals were out of contact.
Officials have warned of a possible further flooding risk from a lake of rising water at the flood site along the China-Nepal border.
MP for Dartford Jim Dickson has also encouraged those affected in the area to reach out for support if needed, saying:
'My thoughts are with our Nepalese community in Dartford and anyone else who might have loved ones in the area as we hear more about the tragic loss of life in the flash floods and landslides in Nepal today.
'Do get in touch with me if I can be of any help or support at [email protected]'
While nationally Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said on Thursday evening that the FCDO’s crisis centre was working “around the clock” to help Britons affected by the floods.
In a post on social media Mr Miliband said: “We’ve offered an initial £5 million to help with the response to the effort in Nepal.
“And indeed we’ve also made an offer in my conversation with the foreign minister from Nepal this morning of search and rescue and other help should the Nepalese need it.”