23 missing, 18 of them NRIs: Gujarat families’ wait for a call from Nepal

A list compiled by the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gujarat reveals that 23 individuals with connections to the state, including 18 non-resident Indians, are missing following flash floods in Nepal. The missing persons hail from various countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and were traveling to Kailash Mansarovar through the Kerung route.

Families in both Gujarat and abroad are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Some of the missing, such as Bimalkumar Patel and Jaimina Patel from Anand, and Paresh Natvarlal Patel and Jyoti Paresh Patel from Surat, were speaking to their families shortly before the disaster struck. Others, like Ashok Dhirajlal Kapadi, last communicated with their families on August 26 as they were approaching the immigration center near the China border.

The list of missing persons does not specify exact locations, but many were reportedly en route to the Friendship Bridge or Kailash Mansarovar. The Gujarat government has provided a helpline number (079232-51900) and contact details for District Emergency Operation Centres to assist affected families.