Family asks for help in searching for missing Filipino after Nepal flash flood

Family members of Juan Carlos Manalo, a Filipino doctor, are urgently appealing for assistance in finding the missing man following a deadly flash flood that struck the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, 2026. Manalo, 30, was last in touch with his family on August 25, just days before the disaster. His absence has raised alarm, particularly as he was part of a trekking group that encountered severe conditions during the flood. The incident occurred along the Nepal-Tibet border, where a sudden glacier collapse triggered a massive flash flood. This disaster led to widespread devastation, claiming over 500 lives and leaving nearly 1,000 people unaccounted for in both Nepal and Tibet. Rescue teams faced immense challenges, including blocked roads and hazardous terrain, while efforts to locate survivors continued under difficult circumstances. According to information released by Nepal’s Department of Tourism, Manalo has been listed among the missing individuals. His passport number was included in the official records, and his travel agency was identified as the Isha Sadghuru group, which organized the Kailashyatra tour. The group’s last known location was at the Immigration Office in Gyirong, near the India-Nepal border. However, no further details about Manalo’s whereabouts have been disclosed. Chiara Manalo, Juan Carlos’ sister, expressed deep concern over the situation. In a post on Facebook, she urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, emphasizing the urgency of the search. She described the emotional toll of witnessing the tragedy unfold, noting how the family had struggled to cope with the loss of life and uncertainty surrounding their brother’s fate. In a separate statement, Chiara spoke to DZBB, a local radio station, detailing the final message from her brother. He had sent a simple “Good morning” to the family group chat on the afternoon of August 25. At the time, it was still early morning in Nepal, indicating that he had likely been up late preparing for the day ahead. This brief communication has become a poignant symbol of the abrupt disruption in his life. The family has taken proactive steps to seek aid, contacting the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi. Embassy officials have acknowledged the request and pledged to provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. They have also encouraged the family to consider visiting Nepal directly to participate in the search efforts, should conditions permit such a journey. Meanwhile, rescue operations have faced additional complications. On August 28, a temporary halt in search activities was announced due to the formation of a lake from a landslip on the Nepal-China border. As water levels rose, concerns grew over potential overflow, posing risks to nearby communities and complicating rescue missions. The Nepal Tourism Board released a preliminary report on August 27, listing the names and nationalities of those missing in the affected region. While the list did not include personal details, it confirmed that one individual from the Philippines was among the casualties. This information has heightened the family’s sense of urgency, as they continue to await confirmation of Juan Carlos’ status. As the search continues, the family remains hopeful that new leads will emerge. They have shared their contact details publicly, encouraging anyone with knowledge of Manalo’s condition or location to reach out. With international attention focused on the disaster, there is optimism that collaborative efforts could yield positive results in the coming days.