A Chicago family is currently engaged in a desperate search for information regarding a loved one who went missing during the recent, catastrophic flooding in Nepal.
Thakkar departed the U.S. on August 20 to visit the mountain, which is situated near the border of Nepal and Tibet and is considered a site of deep religious significance. Family members report that she was traveling as part of a large group, all of whom are currently missing. Her sister, Gunjan Thakkar, confirmed that family members have arrived in Kathmandu to coordinate efforts and search for their relative.
Details of the Disappearance and Regional Impact
Before the disaster struck, Thakkar had been in contact with her family, describing her journey as a positive experience. According to her sister, she sounded relaxed and happy during their final conversation, even sharing video footage of her surroundings to document the start of her pilgrimage. The family has since shared this footage as they seek any information that might lead to her discovery.
The travel company organizing the trip has provided updates via social media, noting that many members of the group were staying at a hotel in Rasuwagadhi at the time of the incident. Reports also indicate that other pilgrims, including a group of ten Australians accompanied by a guide, were traveling between local towns when the flooding occurred.
The disaster was triggered by a high-altitude rock bedrock collapse in the Himalayas, which caused a significant glacial shift. This event released a powerful, fast-moving torrent of melted ice, mud, and debris into the river valleys below. The force of the surge caused widespread destruction, obliterating bridges, roads, and buildings throughout the border towns. Local authorities have reported that the death toll has surpassed 1,200, with thousands of individuals still listed as missing across the affected areas.
