Family’s Search for Missing Woman in Nepal Flood

Family’s Efforts to Find Missing Woman in Nepal

Relatives of Poonam Thakkar, a woman from Bartlett, have traveled to Nepal hoping to locate her after last week’s devastating flood. The flood in Nepal, attributed to a collapsed glacier in the Himalayas, claimed more than 1,100 lives, with nearly 4,000 people still missing.

Poonam’s Journey

Poonam, 42, began a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash near Nepal’s border with Tibet on August 20. She was inspired by her oldest sister, Bhumika, who completed the journey the previous year. Family members spoke to Poonam by phone the day before the flood. At that time, she expressed excitement for the pilgrimage.

Family in Kathmandu

Bhumika and two cousins are in Kathmandu, retracing the path Poonam took before she disappeared. Gunjan, Poonam’s middle sister, mentioned that the search is difficult, but they remain hopeful. Despite challenges, there have been reports of survivors being found.

Challenges and Family Resilience

Poonam’s family, including her colleagues from a major consulting firm, support each other during this difficult time. Despite initial travel restrictions, Bhumika and two others managed to reach Nepal and are coordinating efforts with the U.S. and Canadian embassies.

Community Efforts

In Kathmandu, the family meets other people searching for missing loved ones. They formed groups to divide tasks each day, overcoming obstacles related to weather and power outages. Kathmandu serves as a relatively secure base to manage their search.

Gunjan requests those learning about Poonam to keep positive thoughts and hopes for her safe return.