Two Ladysmith residents are among four South Africans reported missing after devastating flash floods swept through Nepal on Wednesday, 26 August, as families await news of their loved ones amid a massive search-and-rescue operation.
The families of the two Ladysmith residents have asked for privacy as they await further information about the tragedy and the search for those still unaccounted for.
The flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi River area in Rasuwa, Nepal, at about 8.30am on Wednesday. The disaster swept through communities and tourist areas, destroying roads, bridges and other infrastructure and leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for.
Preliminary information released by the Nepal Tourism Board initially identified 384 travellers — 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals — as missing from affected areas. Authorities were continuing to verify the information with tourism and travel companies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.
Four South Africans were included among those initially reported missing.
The figures remain fluid as authorities continue checking the identities and whereabouts of those reported missing. A later update from the Nepal Tourism Board indicated that the number of tourists reported out of contact had increased substantially, underlining the scale of the disaster and the continuing uncertainty.
The families of the two Ladysmith residents said they would not comment further at this stage and asked that their privacy be respected while they await confirmed information.
Another South African reported missing was Terricia Govender, 33, from Isipingo Beach. According to The Mercury, Govender travelled to Nepal on 12 August and was part of a tour group associated with the Isha Foundation returning from the Mount Kailash Yatra when the floods struck.
Her family was informed by the foundation that she was among those missing.
Her mother, Linda Govender, said the family last spoke to Terricia on Tuesday while she was shopping and sightseeing. They initially believed the lack of communication was due to poor cellphone reception before receiving an email confirming that she was among those reported missing.
The family is awaiting further information about her whereabouts and safety.
