Search continues for six South Africans missing after Nepal-Tibet floods
South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, says officials remain in daily contact with Nepalese authorities and families as the search continues.
The search for six South Africans continues after floods in Nepal and Tibet claimed over 1,000 lives and left thousands missing. Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, expressed concern for the missing South Africans, including Surendranath Maharaj, 74, his wife Anita Devi Maharaj, 67, Vivaganathan "Tony" Pillay, 66, and his wife Janet Pillay, 56, Bavila Ramjee, 43, and Terricia Govender, 33.
Daily communication is maintained with Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, the Honorary Consul of South Africa in Nepal, and the Nepalese High Commission in Delhi to gather information on the missing individuals. The challenging terrain in the Himalayan region has made rescue efforts difficult, with bodies found as far as Bihar in the Brahmaputra River.
Nepal has restricted access to the affected areas, allowing only government security forces to participate in rescue operations. However, on Saturday, the Nepalese Foreign Minister permitted four friendly nations—India, China, Australia, and South Korea—to assist. While non-governmental organizations, including South Africa's Gift of the Givers, have offered aid, the Nepalese government insists on handling the situation through official channels.
South Africans are eager to contribute to relief efforts, with the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund being the recommended avenue. Nepal, though small, played a significant role in supporting South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle in the past.
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