The devastating flash floods in Nepal have left hundreds dead and thousands missing, with tragic stories emerging of both international and Indian nationals caught in the disaster.
An Odisha-origin family living in the UK has been reported missing among British nationals. The family—Santosh Sahu (46), his wife Surabhi (44), and their children Spandan (18) and Syna (13)—were on a pilgrimage and trekking trip when contact was lost near the Nepal-Tibet border. Reports suggest they were travelling with a tour group towards sacred Himalayan sites when a sudden surge of water, mud, and debris swept through the region, destroying roads and bridges. Surabhi, a former banker and winner of Mrs India UK 2018, and Santosh, CEO of UK-based pharmaceutical tech firm Charac, were last heard from while crossing the border. Their son Spandan had recently completed his A-levels and was preparing to study Law at Durham University.
Meanwhile, seven tourists from Odisha’s Bhadrak district are among 51 people stranded in Nepal after flash floods and landslides disrupted their journey. The group, which also included 43 tourists from Kerala, was travelling through Kailash Travelers of Kolkata, owned by Kailash Biswal of Chandbali. They had taken shelter at the Manakamana Temple before being evacuated by Nepal Police and local officials as the Trishuli River overflowed. The stranded group was later shifted to Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar) by ropeway and is currently staying at a lodge.
The floods have caused widespread destruction across Nepal, with the death toll climbing to 616 as of Saturday morning. Police reported recovering 233 bodies in Chitwan, 158 in Nawalparasi East, 48 in Gorkha, 47 in Nawalparasi West, 45 in Dhading, 41 in Nuwakot, 31 in Tanahun, and 13 in Rasuwa, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing amid damaged infrastructure, landslides, and disrupted communications. Families of the missing, including the Sahus, are anxiously awaiting updates as authorities intensify efforts to locate survivors and restore access to flood-hit areas.
