Relatives search for answers after Dallas couple goes missing near Nepal-Tibet border after deadly floods, mudslides
Rescue teams are searching for hundreds of missing people along the Nepal-China border on Thursday after devastating floods and mudslides swept through communities, killing at least 360 people.
The head of Nepal's tourism board told CBS News that 65 U.S. nationals were among the more than 1,400 missing in Nepal and Tibet.
And Thursday afternoon, CBS News Texas confirmed that a North Texas couple hasn't been found.
For the Ahuja family, getting answers about their missing relatives, Deepak and Madhu Ahuja, has been frustrating.
"It's a whirlwind of emotion," said Sushil Ahuja, Deepak's brother. "We're trying to talk to people, channeling all avenues we can, but it's been really hard."
The Dallas couple has been missing since Wednesday morning after a deadly flash flood and mudslide along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Their family said they were in the area after returning from a religious pilgrimage to Mount Kailash for Deepak's 60th birthday. The trip was an item on his bucket list. Sushil said the couple was at the Gyirong Port Immigration Center when the floods hit.
"This trip was his 60th birthday gift to himself, so it was really important to him, and they actually finished their trip, so they were on their way back when this happened," Sushil said.
The family learned the couple was missing through the travel group they were with. The Ahujas have lived in Dallas for more than 30 years and have two daughters. Their daughters, Ashna and Shreya, told the BBC they spoke with their parents about an hour and a half before the disaster. They were supposed to reunite in Dallas this weekend.
"I think we're just leaning on each other, and our family and friends to support us right now," said Ashna and Shreya. "We just love them a lot. [inaudible]. We have a lot of people who love them that are looking out for them. We're really proud of them. They're so strong, and we know that they can make it through this."
Originally from India, the couple both own businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are well known in their community. Madhu is a longtime CPA, and Deepak is an architecture engineer. Now, their family is holding onto hope as the search continues.
"We truly believe that they will be fine, so absolutely have hope," Sushil said. "Miracles happen and we truly believe they will be OK."
The family is calling for better coordination between governments as search-and-rescue efforts continue. Family members are also preparing to travel to Nepal, and some relatives are already on the ground searching for leads.
