Flood disaster in Nepal: 33 British nationals missing
Families travel to Nepal to search for missing relatives
1Scale of the disaster
The flood disaster in Nepal and Tibet has claimed at least 475 lives, with hundreds missing including 537 tourists. Among the missing British nationals are a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Nepalese authorities have confirmed 33 British citizens are unaccounted for following the catastrophic flooding.
2Families' desperate search
Relatives of the missing have flown to Nepal to join search efforts. Bhupesh Bector says his wife Leena was traveling with Fishtail Tours and he's had no contact: 'I know she's in Nepal, I need to be there even if they find her today.' Rajendra Pudasaini reports his relatives were swept away by floodwaters.
3Pilgrimage turns tragic
Some missing persons were visiting the sacred Hindu site Mount Kailash when disaster struck. Tour operator The Trekkers' Society confirmed 9 British nationals disappeared during their pilgrimage, including a 14-year-old boy and adults in their 50s. The spiritual journey has ended in tragedy for many families.
4Tour companies' statements
Companies including Alpine Eco Trek and Kailash Journeys reported losing contact with clients. Alpine Eco Trek stated 12 British nationals on their Mount Kailash tour are missing, along with 4 Nepalese guides. Multiple tour operators have confirmed British citizens among the unaccounted travelers in the region.
5Cause of the disaster
The flood occurred Wednesday morning in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu. Initial earthquake theories were revised when USGS analysis indicated a landslide triggered the event. A magnitude 5.2 seismic occurrence resulted from glacial collapse and debris flow at 08:37 local time, causing devastating flash floods.
6International response
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered £5m in aid to Nepal, calling it 'a very distressing situation.' He urged British nationals to follow local authorities' guidance. King Charles expressed being 'heartbroken' and sent profound sympathy to those affected by what he called a 'devastating' natural disaster.
7Last known locations
Tatjana Phillips reported her sister Julija Jakovicka was near the Nepal-Tibet border an hour before flooding. The German resident and mother of two was on a yoga retreat when communication ceased. 'We've had no news since,' said Phillips, voicing the anguish shared by many families awaiting updates.
8Current situation
Rescue operations continue amid warnings of further flooding. Families like Pramod Poudel's are traveling to Nepal to search for loved ones. 'My family needs me,' Poudel explained his decision to return. University of Kent graduate Nabhi Das is among those missing as authorities work to account for all tourists.
Original article: BBC News — Nepal'de sel felaketi: 33 İngiliz vatandaşı kayıp