Ten Toronto residents who were part of a group trekking in Nepal are currently missing following a destructive flash flood that occurred in the region. Leslie Crespi, a representative from the Isha Foundation in North America, disclosed that these ten individuals were among the 80 members from the foundation who have not been located yet. Out of the 12 Canadians on the trip, the missing ten were part of this group.
Crespi mentioned that there has been no communication with any of the 80 individuals since the coordinator of the trek contacted the foundation after the group reached a Chinese immigration center in Gyirong County, Tibet, just minutes before the flash flooding struck the area. Efforts to establish contact and gather updates have been ongoing by liaising with embassies and officials.
The group, consisting of participants from 19 different countries, was returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a journey of religious significance to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
Families of the missing group members are deeply affected by the news, as described by Crespi, conveying the shock and devastation this unexpected event has caused. The Nepali community in Toronto is mobilizing efforts to locate their missing loved ones, seeking assistance from the Canadian government for rescue operations.
Global Affairs Canada has reported that approximately 30 Canadian citizens and permanent residents are currently unaccounted for in Nepal and Tibet. Consular officials are actively working to establish contact with them, monitor their safety, and collaborate with local authorities and partner organizations. Additional resources and support are being arranged as required.
GlobalMedic, a disaster relief organization based in Etobicoke, has offered its support by providing water purification units, emergency kits, and drones to aid those affected by the disaster in Nepal. Their assistance includes installing water purification units in critical locations, distributing emergency kits with essential items, and utilizing drones for mapping and search and rescue operations to assist emergency responders in making informed decisions.
