Canadian families still waiting for answers one week after Nepal disaster

Neeral Patel learned from her cousin Ishan that a devastating flood struck the Nepal border region on August 26, causing over 1,100 deaths and leaving around 4,400 missing. Ishan was among four family members who were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kaliash before starting a new job as an orthopedic surgeon. Neeral has called for a stronger international response as days pass with no word on her cousin or the three others he was travelling with.

Ishan's wife Akanksha, both Canadian-U.S. citizens, and Ishan's parents, who are Canadian, were also on the trip. The flood, caused by a glacier collapse, has made rescue efforts difficult due to landslides and destroyed roads. Over 30 Canadians and permanent residents are among the missing, but the exact number may change as authorities receive more information.

Neeral and her family sought help from the Internet, Nepal's police websites, and missing person databases, but the roads to the affected region are currently closed. Ottawa has deployed ten government officials to Nepal to assist Canadians in the crisis. Neeral and her family remain hopeful for a more significant international effort to bring their loved ones home.