Family of Indian-American woman missing after Nepal-Tibet floods hold on to hope

The family of Jiwan Jyoti, an Indian-American engineer from Boston, is desperately holding onto hope that she will be found safe and well after being among over 2,000 people reported missing following catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet. Jyoti, who celebrated her 50th birthday, was on a pilgrimage when she went missing, last known to be staying at Hotel Kailash in Rasuwagadhi near Nepal's border with China.

Her family lost contact with her on Wednesday, with her husband speaking to her via phone moments before the disappearance. Her phone's last known location was at the hotel, with no further communication after that. Her husband, along with other relatives, has traveled to Nepal to seek updates as rescue efforts continue amid the destruction caused by the natural disaster.

Nepal Police have confirmed 626 deaths and 1,473 injuries, with over 4,000 police personnel deployed in the response. Jyoti, a devoted mother balancing her career and family, had visited Pashupatinath, local markets, and other attractions in Kathmandu before embarking on the pilgrimage. On Tuesday, she and other members of her group traveled to Rasuwagadhi, close to the Nepal-China border and the route used by pilgrims heading towards Mount Kailash in Tibet.

Her family has been informed that higher ground might have been reached before the flood, but they are dependent on information from authorities and tour operators. Despite the grim situation, they refuse to give up hope, believing there is still a possibility that Jyoti and others could have found safety before the flood hit.