English
A Winnipeg man is among 31 Canadians reported missing after devastating flash floods struck the Nepal-China border region on Wednesday, leaving thousands unaccounted for and hundreds dead across the Himalayan area.
Mohit Kaushik, 49, had been traveling on a sacred multi-day pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar — a journey of deep spiritual significance in the Hindu faith. His family confirmed his presence on the trek on Sunday but said they were not yet ready to speak publicly while they waited for further information.
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Contact Lost Since Thursday
Swikriti Pokhrel, a friend and neighbour of Mohit, posted on social media Friday that Mohit had been out of contact since Thursday. He was last known to be traveling from Timure when communication ceased.
His daughter, Kalista Kaushik, briefly spoke by phone on Sunday. She confirmed the family was still waiting for news and was not prepared to make a public statement at this time.
Scale of the Disaster
The floods were triggered by a glacier collapse, which released a force equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake. The disaster struck a popular tourist corridor along the Himalayan border, killing hundreds and leaving approximately 2,000 people missing in the days that followed.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand confirmed on Saturday that 31 Canadian citizens remain unaccounted for. She shared the update through a social media post as federal officials continued to monitor the situation.
Manitoba’s Nepali Community Braces for More Grief
In Manitoba, the local Nepali community is watching the situation closely. Ranju Upadhyaya, former president of the Nepali Cultural Society of Manitoba, estimates around 1,000 Nepalese people live in the province.
Upadhyaya, who was born in Nepal, said the full emotional impact may not yet be felt. “As more days pass, someone will realize they haven’t heard back from their family, especially for the students who are here without their families, and their families are back home,” she said. “I can definitely imagine it’s a tough time for them.”
The community has already begun fundraising efforts to send financial support to flood victims in Nepal. The tour company connected to Mohit Kaushik’s pilgrimage had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
