'We are praying': Nepal travel groups search for missing tourists and staff after devastating floods

A tour operator in Kathmandu is desperately searching for dozens of missing trekkers and staff members, including his own brother, who were swept away by devastating floods along the border between Nepal and Tibet. Gopal Thapa, managing director of Leaf Holidays, Treks and Expeditions, confirmed that 46 clients and nine company employees remain unaccounted for, with his 34-year-old brother among those missing.

The group, comprising pilgrims from countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Ukraine, Italy, the US, and Britain, along with Nepalese staff, were en route to Mount Kailash when the disaster struck. Thapa lost contact with his brother around 8:30 Nepal time on Wednesday and has since been working with authorities to locate them. Nepal Police reported 547 deaths and 1,473 injuries so far, with over 4,000 police personnel responding to the crisis.

Families, embassies, and authorities are all joining the search efforts, but hundreds remain missing. Tour companies in the region have reported similar losses, with some 77 foreign pilgrims and 12 Nepalese staff still unaccounted for. The floods, triggered by a glacier collapse, have left critical infrastructure damaged, making rescue operations even more challenging.