Ten Toronto residents who were taking part in a trip in Nepal organized by a nonprofit organization remain unaccounted for after deadly flash flooding in the country earlier this week, a spokesperson for the group says.
The Toronto residents were among 12 Canadians taking part in the trek organized by the Isha Foundation who remain unaccounted for as of Friday.
Global Affairs Canada has previously said that at least 30 Canadians and permanent residents are missing after catastrophic flash floods and mudslides swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region.
As of Friday, officials say the disaster has killed more than 500 people, destroyed villages and triggered a massive rescue effort. Recent warnings from local police suggest another possible surge could erupt today after a reported dam breach on the Tibet side.
The Isha Foundation said in a statement to CTV News Toronto that one of its Kailash Yatra groups was at an immigration facility in Gyirong, Tibet while returning from Mount Kailash when the flooding struck.
“The immigration facility and surrounding areas were severely impacted,” the foundation said, adding that it is working with authorities and diplomatic representatives to determine the whereabouts of all those missing.
So far, more than 3,700 people have been rescued in Nepal, but officials say 977 remain unaccounted for.
On the Chinese side of the border, state media reported five deaths and previously said 558 people were missing. Hundreds of those unaccounted for are believed to be foreigners who were in the region for work, trekking or pilgrimage.
The Isha Foundation said its immediate priority is confirming the safety of those who remain unaccounted for.
“We are working urgently with relevant authorities and diplomatic representatives to confirm the status and whereabouts of those unaccounted for,” the foundation said.
It added that it remains in contact with the families of those missing and will share verified information as it becomes available.
