'Expect the worst': Isha Foundation on 80 Kailash pilgrims missing in Nepal floods

Bengaluru: The Isha Foundation is deeply concerned for the safety of 80 members of its Kailash Sojourn group who were in Gyirong Port during a catastrophic flood, indicating they anticipate the worst possible outcome. In a recent update to family and friends of the participants, the foundation shared that Chinese authorities were conducting search and rescue operations at the site, where they have been deployed personnel and equipment.

However, due to the risk of further flooding, these efforts were paused on August 28 and resumed the next day.

Isha Foundation teams are stationed on both sides of the Nepal-China border near Gyirong Port, with a team 25 km away in direct contact with frontline rescue teams. The group's coordination team remains in Kathmandu due to restricted access to the affected area. The devastation in Nepal is extensive, with roads washed away and movement severely limited, according to the statement.

The Isha Foundation is working closely with several Indian and Nepali agencies, including the Office of the Prime Minister of India, Indian embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing, the Nepali Army's search and rescue team, Nepal Tourist Police, and the Rescue Control Board. They have shared information about the missing group with frontline rescue teams and additional phone signal information to aid the search.

However, no list of rescued individuals including the group's participants has been released by the Chinese authorities, nor have the lists from Nepal's government, according to the statement.

Local sources suggest that the valley at Gyirong Port was submerged by around 45-50 feet of silt and debris, making survival highly unlikely. The floodwaters may have reached up to 150 feet in force, reportedly wiping out entire buildings. While Isha Foundation has confirmed visuals of the destruction with multiple local sources, they stress that access to the area remains restricted, preventing them from independently verifying every detail.

The foundation has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 80 participants and the broader affected community, vowing to share updates as more information becomes available.