A New York doctor is urgently seeking information about her parents, Ramesh, 65, and Neelam, 64, who are among over 60 Americans missing in Nepal after devastating flash floods and landslides. The couple was on a pilgrimage to the sacred peak of Mount Kailash when they were caught in the disaster on Wednesday.
Radhika Sharma, a gastroenterology fellow at the University of Florida College of Medicine, has not heard from her parents since they crossed the Nepal-China border. "It’s been probably over 24 hours, and probably been the worst 24 hours of my life, my brother’s life," Sharma told NBC. She has used social media to reach out for contacts on the ground in Nepal, Tibet, local hospitals, and rescue operations.
Catastrophic Flooding Devastates Nepal
The floods, which struck around 8:40 a.m. local time Wednesday, have resulted in at least 165 deaths and 826 missing in Nepal. Authorities in Tibet reported three fatalities and 558 missing. In total, 644 foreign nationals are unaccounted for in Nepal, including 65 from the United States and 178 from India. Tourists from over 30 countries are believed to be missing.
Initial reports suggested an avalanche triggered by an earthquake might have caused the floods. However, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 4.4-magnitude quake that was later retracted, and it is now believed that a glacier collapse was the cause. A large section of ice broke off a glacier at approximately 17,000 feet, initiating an ice avalanche that struck the Lhende River, leading to a damming effect. When the natural dam failed, a powerful torrent surged downstream.
Approximately 25 miles of roads were washed away, and 19 bridges were destroyed. Water levels on the Trishuli River rose by 27 feet in 30 minutes, sweeping away dozens of homes and forcing survivors to cling to trees. The United Nations estimates that around 10,000 homes require immediate relief.
International Response
The United States has dispatched a disaster response adviser to the region and allocated $500,000 in assistance to support emergency shelter, relief items, and water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts. The State Department extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation.
India has sent 22,046 pounds of disaster relief supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, and medical aid. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has pledged $1.24 million in funding, and the European Commission has stated its readiness to mobilize further assistance.