Four Indian-origin people from Texas remain missing after catastrophic flash floods hit parts of Nepal and Tibet, prompting non-profit Sewa International USA to set up an emergency missing persons desk and release USD 100,000 in relief funds.
The missing include Texas-based couple Deepak Ahuja, 60, and Madhu Ahuja, 57, who were returning from a Mount Kailash pilgrimage when contact was lost near Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border. The floods disrupted communication networks in the region.
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"We all immediately started calling our parents. No answer," said Ashna Ahuja, daughter of the missing couple. "We just love them a lot and want them to come home."
Another couple from Murphy, Texas, Archana Suresh and Raghu Rajan, is also unaccounted for in the Rasuwagadhi-Timure sector. US consular officials estimate that around 85 to 90 American citizens were initially reported missing across the affected river basin.
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Sewa International USA said Tuesday that it had raised more than USD 55,000 within 24 hours through its "Nepal Flash Flood Relief" campaign. The organisation has also launched a missing persons portal to help track people affected by the disaster.
"Flash floods have devastated parts of Nepal, killing hundreds and sweeping away many devotees gathered for the Kailash Yatra," said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA. "It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering and grief of people."
The organisation said some of its US-based volunteers who were near the border when the floods struck are also among those missing.
" Sewa's immediate priority is to help families who have lost their homes, are stranded, and face hunger, cold, and health emergencies," said Vinayak Astekar, Sewa's Associate Director for Disaster Response.
Sewa's ground teams have sent shelter materials, 300 heavy-duty tarpaulins, emergency food rations and medical supplies to affected areas in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The medical supplies include 5,000 packets of oral rehydration solution.
(With inputs from PTI)
