Ten individuals from Toronto who were part of a group trekking in Nepal are currently missing following a tragic flash flood in the region. Leslie Crespi, representing the Isha Foundation in North America, disclosed that these ten individuals were part of a larger group of 80 foundation members who are currently unaccounted for. The missing individuals were among 12 Canadians participating in the trek. Crespi mentioned the lack of communication with the group since the incident, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to stay informed through various channels.
The group, consisting of participants from 19 different countries, was on their way back from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage in Tibet. This pilgrimage holds deep significance for various religious communities. The families of the missing group members are understandably distressed by the situation, with Crespi expressing the profound impact on the entire community.
In response to the crisis, Nepali community leaders convened an emergency meeting in Mississauga to discuss strategies for locating the missing individuals. They intend to seek assistance from the Canadian government in the search and rescue efforts. Punya Marahatta, a senior vice-president of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association in Toronto, highlighted the distress within the community, exacerbated by videos circulating on social media causing widespread concern.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness of approximately 30 missing Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Nepal and Tibet. The number of missing individuals is subject to change as new information becomes available due to the challenging conditions on the ground. Consular officials are actively working to establish contact with the missing individuals and ensure their safety. Additional resources, including consular support in Kathmandu, are being deployed to assist Canadians affected by the disaster.
GlobalMedic, a disaster relief organization in Etobicoke, has offered assistance by providing water purification units, emergency kits, and drones to aid those impacted by the calamity in Nepal. These resources can help in providing clean drinking water, essential supplies, and support for search and rescue operations. The organization’s efforts aim to assess the extent of the damage and offer crucial aid to those in need.