Sadhguru says 77 Isha Foundation pilgrims missing after Nepal flash floods

The group was at an immigration office in Gyirong, Tibet, while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage when the floods struck, according to Sadhguru.

‘Terrible and tragic flash flood’

Sharing a video showing the scale of the disaster, Sadhguru said one of his Kailash groups was caught in the flooding while at the immigration office.

“A terrible and tragic flash flood has taken place at Gyirong in Tibet - China, and one of our Kailash groups was caught in it,” he said.

He said the immigration building and much of the surrounding town appeared to have been inundated.

There was no immediate official information about the whereabouts of the 77 people at the immigration office, Sadhguru said, adding that volunteers and support teams were working to assist rescue efforts.

Massive flood wave sweeps through border area

Videos from the region showed a massive surge of water sweeping through the Gyirong Port area, inundating buildings and crossing into Nepal's Rasuwa district.

The flash floods devastated settlements along the Bhote Kosi River, washing away houses and bridges and leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for.

Nepal media reports put the death toll at 157, although authorities were continuing to assess the scale of the disaster.

77 missing believed to be among 105 Indian pilgrims

The 77 people from the Isha Foundation group are believed to be among 105 Indian Kailash pilgrims reported missing in the flood-hit region by Nepal's tourism authorities.

Nepal's Tourism Board said at least 384 travellers had been out of contact, including 291 foreigners and 93 Nepali nationals.

Sadhguru said that of the 21 groups that had travelled as part of the pilgrimage, 495 people had returned safely, while 743 remained in Tibet and 148 were in Nepal. Three volunteers were in Timure, Nepal, he added.

Sadhguru says rescue efforts underway

Sadhguru said the foundation was working with authorities to reach the affected area and assist in rescue operations.

“We are working with the authorities to see if we can get to the location and stand ready to be part of the rescue efforts, regardless of the risk involved,” he said.

Addressing families of those missing, Sadhguru said he was in the region and that every effort was being made to help those affected.

“To the families and loved ones of those in our group and hundreds of others who are affected in the region, I share your pain and we are sparing no effort during this profoundly difficult time,” he said.