‘My only hope is they are safe’: A Malaysian family’s agonising wait for news after Nepal-Tibet floods

BIDUR, Nepal, Aug 28 - A Malaysian family remains anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones after deadly floods in the Nepal-Tibet region wiped out entire villages. 27-year-old Nepali mother Laloma recounted her harrowing experience, stating she was rescued with her infant son and husband from Syabrubesi after sheltering in a school during the freezing night.

The family lost contact with their four Malaysian members, who were among 17 Malaysians traveling with a Nepali travel operator. Laloma expressed only hope that they were safe, revealing that the last contact from her parents, aunt, and uncle was just after dawn in Nepal on Wednesday. The flood that claimed over 470 lives and left up to 1,400 missing was triggered by a glacial collapse, causing a wall of water and debris to sweep away homes and bridges downriver.

Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru led the pilgrimage, which this year had thousands of Indians and Hindus from various nations participating in the revered journey to Kailash.