A devastating flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has left approximately 80 Isha Foundation pilgrims unreachable after their immigration processing center was destroyed. Spiritual guru Sadhguru revealed he was scheduled to be at the same location just 24 hours after the calamity struck, narrowly escaping the incident.
Pilgrims Caught in Flash Flood
The group of pilgrims was returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and had arrived at the immigration center in Jilong, Tibet, at 9:05 AM on Wednesday to complete formalities. Just nine minutes later, at 9:14 AM, the flash flood hit the area, washing away the entire building and a portion of the town, according to Sadhguru.
Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, stated that he had planned to arrive at the same center on Thursday morning. However, blocked roads and widespread communication failures prevented him from reaching the site. “The same building where we were for the immigration just a week ago. That entire building is washed away, and part of the town is washed away,” Sadhguru said in a video address.
Global Group Affected
The missing group comprises 34 men and 46 women from various countries, including 22 from the United States, 12 from Canada, 11 from Australia, and nine from the United Kingdom, among others. Volunteers and a doctor associated with the foundation were also in nearby hotels.
Maa Gambhiri of the Isha Foundation, speaking from New Dongba in Tibet, confirmed that the group leader had last communicated just minutes before the tragedy, confirming their arrival at the immigration center. She also noted that the same group had passed through the center safely just seven days prior on their way into Tibet.
Rescue Efforts and Uncertainty
With all phones in the area non-functional and roads impassable, the Isha Foundation has been unable to establish contact with the pilgrims. The foundation has notified the respective embassies of the affected countries in India and Nepal. Efforts are underway to secure permission through Indian and Chinese embassies for Sadhguru and a team to travel to the disaster zone to assist.
While official numbers remain unconfirmed, Sadhguru suggested the total number of people affected, including local Nepali guides and their families, could exceed 1,500. The exact cause of the flood is still unknown, with unconfirmed reports mentioning a potential river or lake burst or an earthquake.