About 90 Americans unaccounted for after catastrophic floods hit Nepal and Tibet

A federal government helicopter raced to rescue stranded American citizens in the wake of catastrophic flash floods that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region. As of Thursday, the U.S. State Department reported that approximately 90 U.S. nationals were unaccounted for, though three individuals had been rescued. Many of the missing were believed to be among a pilgrimage group traveling to the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet, a pilgrimage site revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and other spiritual traditions.

Among those unaccounted for was Venus Rajnikant Patel, a 45-year-old Indian-born U.S. citizen who had recently relocated from St. Louis to Cincinnati to support his family. Patel's friend, Jolene Gosha, expressed deep concern for Patel, who was staying at a hotel along the flooded border area. The Isha Foundation, a prominent Indian spiritual organization, confirmed that 22 of the 77 people returning from Mount Kailash with their groups were American citizens who were stranded when the floods hit an immigration center in Gyirong, Tibet.

Among those stranded, Patel had been a frequent traveler, known for his love of dance and his tendency to organize spontaneous, joyful performances for friends during significant life events. Despite the grim situation, friends like Gosha remained hopeful, clinging to the belief that Patel had somehow managed to escape the devastating floods.