Family of Filipino doctor missing in Nepal flood appeals for help

MANILA – The family of a Filipino doctor who went missing after a deadly flash flood swept through Nepali villages and trekking routes on Aug. 26 is appealing for help in locating his whereabouts.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Chiara Manalo reported that her brother, Juan Carlos Manalo, was traveling with the Isha Sadghuru group on their Kailashyatra tour and had been out of contact since the flash flood.

“Any information or news about him or his group would be greatly appreciated. Receiving and seeing the news about the catastrophe has been very difficult for us. We humbly ask to include him in your prayers, that he may return to us safely soon,” she said.

Manalo said her brother last contacted his family on Aug. 25 at 13:21 PHT (11:06 NPT). His last known whereabouts were with his tour group at the Immigration Office in Gyirong.

Isha Foundation founder and leader Jaggi Vasudev, known as Sadhguru, earlier confirmed that 80 members of the Isha group, including one Filipino, were inside that building minutes before it was washed away.

The Philippine Embassy in India, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos in Nepal, is coordinating closely with the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Kathmandu and Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, which is in direct contact with first responders.

“Makakaasa po kayo na sinusundan namin ang mga pangyayari lalo na yung kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Rest assured that we are monitoring the situation, especially the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas.

“Kung ano man po ang makuha nating mga updates ay ibabahagi po natin. Kung meron po tayong kababayan na naapektuhan, kung meron pa pong lumabas na ganun pong impormasyon, nakahanda po tayong tumugon (We will share whatever updates we receive. If any of our fellow Filipinos are affected – if such information emerges – we are ready to respond),” he added.

The envoy said the embassy may be reached via its assistance-to-nationals line through WhatApp/Viber at +919910797014 or email at newdelhi.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

The honorary consul on the ground, meanwhile, can be contacted through its emergency mobile number at +9779851101777 or email at philcongen@voith.com.np. (PNA)