77 Isha Foundation Pilgrims Missing After Flash Floods Near Nepal–Tibet Border; Sadhguru Offers Support for Rescue Operations
At least 77 pilgrims associated with the Isha Foundation are missing after devastating flash floods struck the Gyirong area of Tibet near the Nepal border, according to Sadhguru. The group was reportedly at an immigration office while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage when a massive surge of floodwater swept through the area, damaging buildings and infrastructure and causing extensive destruction along the Bhote Kosi River.
Sadhguru said the group was caught at the immigration office when the flooding occurred and that there was initially no official information about the whereabouts of those inside. He described the situation as a “terrible and tragic” flash flood and said Isha Foundation volunteers and support teams were working with authorities to assist with rescue efforts.
The incident is part of a wider disaster affecting Nepal’s Rasuwa district, where floodwaters originating in the Tibet region reportedly crossed into Nepal, washing away bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Nepal media reports cited in the original report put the death toll at 157, while rescue and relief operations continued in affected areas.
The 77 missing people are believed to be among 105 Indian Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims reported missing by Nepal authorities. The Nepal Tourism Board said at least 384 travellers had lost contact in the flood-affected region, including foreign nationals and Nepali citizens.
Sadhguru provided an update on the broader status of the Isha Foundation pilgrimage groups. Of the 21 groups participating in the journey, he said 495 people had already returned safely, while 743 remained in Tibet and 148 were in Nepal. Three Isha Foundation volunteers were reportedly present in Timure, Nepal, to support the response.
He also said that the organisation was coordinating with authorities to determine whether teams could reach the affected location and assist with rescue operations, despite the risks involved.
The disaster has raised urgent concerns for hundreds of pilgrims and travellers stranded across the Nepal–Tibet border region, with authorities and support teams working to establish contact with missing individuals and assess the full scale of the destruction.
Sadhguru said he was personally in the region and expressed solidarity with families waiting for information about their loved ones, stating that every effort was being made to assist those affected.
Note: The figures above reflect the information reported in the source provided. In a rapidly developing disaster, casualty and missing-person numbers may change as authorities establish contact with stranded travellers and complete rescue operations.
