Ten individuals from Toronto who were part of a group trekking in Nepal are currently untraceable following severe flash floods in the region. Leslie Crespi, representing the Isha Foundation in North America, disclosed to CBC News Network that these ten individuals are part of a larger group of 80 foundation members who remain missing. Among the missing are 12 Canadians who were part of the trek. Crespi expressed concern about the lack of communication with the group since they were at a Chinese immigration center in Gyirong County, Tibet, when the flash flooding occurred.
The group, consisting of participants from 19 different countries, was returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred journey significant to various religious communities. Families of the missing group members are in distress, with Crespi emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation on the organization.
Community leaders within the Nepali community in Toronto held an urgent meeting in Mississauga to discuss strategies for locating their missing loved ones. They plan to seek assistance from the Canadian government in locating and rescuing those who are unaccounted for.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed awareness of approximately 30 missing Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Nepal and Tibet. The department stated that the number of missing persons may change as new information surfaces and assured that consular officials are actively working to establish contact with them. Additionally, Global Affairs Canada announced the deployment of five consular officials to Kathmandu to provide support and coordination for Canadians affected by the disaster.
GlobalMedic, a disaster relief organization based in Etobicoke, has offered assistance by providing water purification units, emergency kits, and drones to aid the affected individuals in Nepal. These resources can help in providing clean drinking water, essential supplies, and support in mapping the damage for more effective rescue operations.