A technology professional from the San Francisco Bay Area is among scores of Americans missing in Nepal following catastrophic flash floods that have claimed over 300 lives and left thousands unaccounted for. Nepali authorities released a list of 65 U.S. citizens reported missing, including Prabhath Sajeepa, 48.
Sajeepa, who has worked as an engineering leader at Pure Storage in Santa Clara since 2016 and previously at Cisco, was traveling with a group connected to the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization. His niece, Kavya Koulagi Jayatheertha, told BBC that 80 members of the group, including 22 from the U.S., remain missing.
Jaggi Vasudev, the leader of the Isha Foundation, stated in a video that the group was inside an immigration building in Gyirong shortly before it was swept away by the floodwaters. The last communication from the group leader was received nine minutes before the disaster struck.
Flood Trigger and Devastation
The flooding is believed to have been caused by the collapse of the lower part of a glacier from an estimated height of 17,000 feet. The falling ice created an avalanche that impacted the valley floor. The exact cause of the glacier's collapse remains unclear.
The resulting torrent of water and debris swept away homes, roads, and businesses across Nepal. Local officials reported that at least 19 bridges and approximately 25 miles of road were destroyed. Several villages and hydropower projects were also severely impacted.
U.S. Embassy Response
The U.S. Embassy in Nepal is coordinating with local authorities and tour operators to determine the status of American citizens affected by the floods. As of Thursday, officials reported that approximately 90 U.S. citizens remained unaccounted for, with three having been rescued.
