Ten Toronto residents who were part of a group trekking in Nepal are currently missing following severe flash flooding in the region this week. Leslie Crespi, a representative of the Isha Foundation in North America, stated that these individuals are among the 80 members of the foundation who are still unaccounted for. Out of the 12 Canadians on the trek, these 10 individuals were part of that group.
Crespi mentioned that there has been no communication with the 80 people involved since the incident occurred. The group, consisting of members from 19 different countries, was returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers to Mount Kailash in Tibet.
The families of the missing individuals are deeply distressed by the situation, with Crespi stating, “It’s devastating news; it’s very, very hard to believe.” Nepali community leaders in Mississauga held an emergency meeting to discuss locating their missing loved ones. They are seeking assistance from the Canadian government for the rescue efforts.
Global Affairs Canada reported that around 30 Canadian citizens and permanent residents are currently missing in Nepal and Tibet. They are actively working to establish contact with them and ensure their safety. Additionally, GlobalMedic, a disaster relief charity in Etobicoke, has offered to deploy water purification units, emergency kits, and drones to aid in the relief efforts in Nepal.
