Nepal: Several Canadians remain missing days after devastating floods and landslides struck the mountainous border region between Nepal and Tibet, including two couples from British Columbia. Their families are anxiously waiting for information, while damaged roads, difficult terrain and disrupted communications continue to make rescue and search operations extremely challenging.
Among those reported missing are Dhaval Shah and his wife Megha Shah, residents of Port Moody, British Columbia. According to their family, the couple had travelled to Nepal on a spiritual journey and were in an area severely affected by the floods. Their relatives have yet to determine whether they are safe or where they may be located.
Another missing couple is Sameet Rawla and his wife Shubhaksi Rawla, who are from Coquitlam, British Columbia. Both are Canadian permanent residents and hold Singaporean passports. Their family says the couple was also in the affected region when the sudden flooding caused widespread destruction.
Last Contact Gives Family Hope
According to Sameet Rawla’s sister, Seema Rawla, her brother contacted his family at around 7 a.m., shortly before the disaster. During a video call, he confirmed that they were in the area and said the weather appeared to be normal at the time.
However, conditions changed dramatically about an hour later.
Authorities have reported that a major mass of snow, rocks and debris triggered a powerful surge of water and mud through the Himalayan area, destroying infrastructure and affecting communities along its path.
Seema Rawla said the family has been living through days of uncertainty without receiving reliable information about her brother and sister-in-law. The family continues to hope that rescue teams will locate them safely.
Dhaval and Megha Shah Were Last Seen Near a Hotel
Information available about the other missing couple indicates that Dhaval and Megha Shah were last known to be near Hotel Kailash in the Timure area of Nepal, one of the locations badly affected by the disaster.
Dhaval Shah’s brother, Kewal Shah, said the family is desperately waiting for information confirming whether the couple has been rescued or managed to reach a safe location.
The scale of destruction has made communication extremely difficult. Roads have been cut off in several areas, while damaged communication networks have further complicated efforts to establish contact with people who may still be stranded.
32 Canadians and Permanent Residents Reported Missing
Canadian authorities have expressed concern about the safety of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the affected areas of Nepal and Tibet.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand previously said that as many as 32 Canadian citizens and permanent residents were at one point unaccounted for following the disaster. Authorities later reported that one person had been located safely.
Canada’s foreign affairs department has been working with local authorities, travel organizations and other relevant agencies to establish contact with Canadians in the affected region.
Canada has also deployed five consular officials in Kathmandu to assist Canadian citizens and their families affected by the disaster.
Communication Failures Add to Rescue Challenges
Flooding and landslides have caused severe damage to electricity and communication infrastructure, making it difficult to obtain accurate information about missing people.
Canadian officials have said efforts are underway to restore communications in affected areas, although returning to normal connectivity could take time.
Rescue teams are also facing serious logistical challenges because roads and bridges have been damaged or completely destroyed. In areas inaccessible by road, helicopters and other methods are being used to reach stranded people and deliver emergency assistance.
Disaster Causes Widespread Destruction
The floods and landslides in the mountainous border region have caused extensive destruction across affected parts of Nepal.
Hundreds of people have reportedly died and thousands have been reported missing, while foreign nationals have also been caught in the disaster.
Rescue teams are continuing operations to search for missing people and deliver assistance to communities affected by the floods.
The biggest challenges are being faced in areas where floodwaters have destroyed buildings, roads and bridges. In many locations, thick layers of mud and debris have also slowed down search operations.
Families Continue to Hope for Their Loved Ones
Despite the passage of several days, the families of the missing Canadian couples have not given up hope.
The families of Dhaval and Megha Shah are waiting for any information that could provide a clue about their whereabouts, while the Rawla family is continuing to contact authorities and search for information about the missing couple.
The Canadian government says it remains in contact with local authorities and other countries and is continuing efforts to locate affected Canadians and provide consular assistance.
Meanwhile, rescue operations in Nepal are continuing despite difficult weather, damaged infrastructure and the challenging Himalayan terrain.
For the families waiting for news, every passing day brings greater anxiety. Nevertheless, they continue to hope that rescue teams will reach their loved ones and that the missing Canadian couples will eventually be found safe.
