Families of British nationals missing in Nepal have traveled to the country as rescue efforts continue following devastating flash floods. The death toll from the floods, which also affected Tibet, has climbed to at least 475, with hundreds still unaccounted for, including 537 tourists. Among those missing are 33 British nationals, according to a list released by Nepalese authorities.
The urgency to locate survivors is heightened by warnings of further potential flooding in the region. The UK has offered £5 million to aid the Nepalese government's response to what Prime Minister Andy Burnham described as a "very distressing and devastating situation."
Details about some of the missing individuals are beginning to emerge. Leena Bector, from Slough, is among 27 travelers linked to Fishtail Tours and Travels who remain unaccounted for. Her husband, Bhupesh Bector, stated his intention to be in Nepal to await news of her discovery. Rajendra Pudasaini, a nurse from Essex, reported that his relatives, including his wife's aunt and uncle, their granddaughter and her husband, and his godson, were "swept away" by the rapid floodwaters. Sarada Simkhada, a senior nurse from Darent Valley Hospital in Kent, is also missing. She was reportedly on a spiritual journey to Mount Kailash, a pilgrimage undertaken by many Hindus.
Another Briton, Julija Jakovicka, was last known to be near the Nepal-Tibet border an hour before the flash floods struck. Her sister, Tatajana Phillips, from Folkestone, has been unable to contact her and expressed deep worry. Phillips, a mother of two living in Germany, was in Nepal for a yoga and meditation retreat.
King Charles expressed his and the Queen's heartbreak and sent profound sympathy to those affected by the disaster. Nepalese authorities released the list of missing tourists on Friday, which included the names of the 33 British nationals. The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed as rescue teams work in challenging conditions.