A couple from San Francisco recounted their terrifying experience during recent flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, which claimed over 600 lives and left more than 3,000 people missing. Anjana Raja told CBS News that they thought they were going to die as they witnessed the floodwaters surge towards them, a result of a glacier collapse in the Himalayas.
Rescue operations in the affected area continue. The fourth day of efforts occurred on Saturday, following the floods on Wednesday, August 26th. The Trishuli River was hit hardest, affecting numerous settlements. According to Nepali officials, 676 people are confirmed dead in Nepal and Tibet, with close to 3,000 still missing, including around 90 Americans. Many of those unaccounted for were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a holy destination for followers of Hinduism and Buddhism.
“Crowded temporary shelters, limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and disruptions to hygiene can increase the risk of diarrheal and other communicable diseases,” said Dan Hovey, Vice President of Global Emergency Response Direct Relief.
Dan Hovey highlighted the health risks facing displaced people, such as the spread of communicable diseases due to crowded shelters and inadequate sanitation. The challenging terrain in Nepal complicates efforts to reach affected communities and deliver necessary medical supplies.
Many Pilgrims Missing
Anjana Raja and her partner, Pattabiraman Venkatesan, were on a pilgrimage to Tibet when they encountered the flood. Their bus had stopped in Nepal’s Rasuwa District, near the Nepal-China border, when they saw what appeared to be a tsunami rushing towards them. Venkatesan described the approaching torrent as a ‘monster’, unsure if it was fire or water. Raja and Venkatesan quickly fled to higher ground, witnessing destruction and people being swept away. They spent the night in a mountain goat shed, along with other survivors, until they were airlifted to safety. Venkatesan noted the miracle of survival for everyone on their bus tour.
Americans Among the Missing
As rescue efforts continue, pleas for information about missing Americans circulate on social media. Jitendra Patel, from Long Island, New York, was reported missing after last contacting his family just minutes before the flash flood began. Another American, Venus Rajnikant Patel, is also missing. Friends and family last heard from him shortly before the flooding event.
Jolene Gosha, a friend of Venus Patel, expressed hope that he managed to escape. Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that locating the missing and providing relief is a top priority. Authorities have rescued 4,451 individuals, including 187 foreign nationals. However, there remains a threat of further flooding due to a newly formed lake in the region.