Desperate Search Underway in Nepal as Tour Operators Look for Dozens Missing After Devastating Border Floods

A tour operator in Kathmandu has shared details of his frantic search for dozens of trekkers and staff members, including his own brother, who have been missing for three days following catastrophic floods at the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet.

Gopal Thapa, managing director of Leaf Holidays, Treks and Expeditions, stated that 55 people traveling with his company remain unaccounted for, comprising 46 clients and nine staff members. Among them is his 34-year-old brother, a father of two who was guiding the group. "I spoke to my brother at around 8.30 Nepal time on Wednesday, August 26," Mr Thapa told The National. "After that there is no connection."

The group consisted of pilgrims from various nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Ukraine, Italy, the US, and Britain, alongside Nepalese staff. Mr Thapa explained that they were completing immigration procedures near the Nepal-China border in preparation for a journey towards Mount Kailash when the disaster struck.

Upon learning of the floods roughly 15 minutes later, he attempted to reach the region by helicopter. "I tried to find them. I couldn't find them," he said. He has since collaborated with police, the army, local authorities, and families, though no news has emerged regarding the 55 individuals. According to a Friday afternoon update from Nepal Police, the disaster has claimed 547 lives, with 1,473 others injured, while over 4,000 police personnel are deployed for rescue operations.

Reflecting on the personal nature of the tragedy while reviewing photographs of the missing group on his computer in Kathmandu, Mr Thapa expressed, "Nine staff are my family. They are my staff, they are my family. The people who are coming for the pilgrimage, they are also all my family. We are praying. We are looking for them."

The flash floods and mudslides heavily impacted pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar, a high-altitude site in Tibet revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and others. Nepalese authorities report that over 650 foreigners remain unaccounted for following the flash floods, which were initiated by a high-altitude glacier collapse along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Other Kathmandu tour companies have reported similar losses after losing contact with groups in the Rasuwagadhi border region. Govind Sharma, managing partner at Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travels, reported that 17 individuals connected to his company, including three staff members, are missing following last contact near the immigration area around 7am or 8am on Wednesday. "All the 17 passengers we have, including our three staff, they all are missing. We are still searching for them," he said, expressing gratitude for the UAE government's assistance to Nepal during the crisis.

Another Kathmandu tour operator, The Trekkers' Society associated with the Isha Foundation in India, reported that 77 foreign pilgrims and 12 Nepalese staff are missing after returning from Tibet to Nepal on Wednesday. A company representative noted that their last contact occurred around 8am as the group reached immigration. Alpine Treks also confirmed that 16 foreign nationals linked to their company, comprising 12 British and four South African travelers, were caught in the disaster.

Rescue and recovery efforts have faced severe obstacles due to widespread destruction affecting roads, bridges, electricity supplies, and telecoms infrastructure. Consequently, tourism offices across Kathmandu have transformed into communication hubs for families, embassies, and authorities.

Bishal Kumar Bhandari, chairman of the Nepal Red Cross Society, noted that communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot have been isolated due to destroyed bridges and damaged infrastructure. While the Red Cross has aided over 2,000 people with food, drinking water, temporary shelter, hygiene supplies, and ambulances, Mr Bhandari emphasized the profound psychological toll of the disaster on survivors.