London Families Pray for Missing Pilgrims After Nepal Flash Floods

Families in London are anxiously awaiting news of loved ones who went missing after catastrophic flash floods struck the Nepal-China border region. A prayer service was held at the South London Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre on Friday for the missing and all those affected by the disaster.

Among those feared missing are the parents of 22-year-old Prajval Haldia. His parents were part of a group of 16 pilgrims from the temple on a journey to Mount Kailash. Speaking at the prayer meeting, Haldia said, "They mean the world... they mean everything to me, and I hope to see them soon." He described the helplessness of waiting from afar, noting that from London, there is little the families can do but stay positive.

Sachin Bagla, a volunteer at the temple, said he is "praying constantly" for the safety of the group. He added that a support group within the temple community has formed, with many people coming forward to help the affected families.

Rescue operations along the Nepal-China border entered their fourth day on Saturday. Authorities continue to search for survivors and evacuate those stranded. According to updated figures from Nepali officials, the combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet has risen to 633, with nearly 3,000 people still missing. Chinese authorities have separately reported seven deaths and more than 550 missing.