The family of Terricia Govender, 33, has travelled to the Nepal-Tibet border in search of answers after devastating flash floods swept through the area.
Govender’s mother, Linda, has confirmed that her daughter was inside the immigration office at the Gyirong border when the floods struck.
The family travelled by helicopter to the area but was unable to fly directly over the location where they believe Terricia was at the time of the disaster.
Family friend Sashin Maharaj, who travelled to Nepal with Linda, said the experience was deeply emotional as they witnessed the destruction caused by the floods.
Maharaj said they were able to see the remains of the immigration building from the helicopter but were not permitted to fly any closer or cross the border.
“It was a very emotional moment for everyone in the helicopter, where we could see the remains of the building but we had to turn around. We don’t have permission to cross the border or even circle around,” he said.
The family has also learnt that about 1,000 items belonging to flood victims have been recovered. They are hoping Chinese authorities will allow them to examine the belongings in the hope of identifying something connected to their missing loved ones.
Maharaj said they were also waiting for an American search-and-rescue organisation to assist with the ongoing efforts.
The group has travelled to several areas affected by the floods and witnessed extensive destruction, including villages that were completely wiped out.
Maharaj said the family begins its search early each day, relying on available transport, including vehicles and helicopters, to reach different areas.
He also expressed gratitude to the local community and South African authorities for their assistance, particularly with translation and navigating the region.
“Dirco is also assisting us and being so helpful while we are here in Nepal, and we are just really thankful to everyone who is being of assistance,” Maharaj said.
The family has also been confronted with the scale of the devastation while visiting affected areas and rescue centres.
Terricia is among six South Africans reported missing following the floods.
The other missing South Africans are Ladysmith residents Surendranath Maharaj, 74, and his wife, Anitha Devi Maharaj, 67; Vivaganathan Pillay, 66, and his wife, Janet Pillay, 56; and 43-year-old Bhavika Ramjee from East London.
Based on reporting by The Witness