Sharmistha Bhowmick Roy, the daughter-in-law of the late former railway minister Mukul Roy and a resident of North 24 Parganas, has gone missing in Nepal following devastating floods in the Himalayan nation. She had traveled to Nepal on 21 August in coordination with a travel agency. However, all contact with her was lost after massive flash floods struck the region last Wednesday, leaving her family back home in deep distress.
Family Appeals to Authorities Amid Growing Anxiety
Addressing the alarming situation, Sharmistha’s husband Subhranshu Roy confirmed that his wife had undertaken the trip to Nepal alone. He explained that since the disaster hit, every attempt to establish communication with her has proven unsuccessful. He is actively remaining in touch with government authorities and local administration in hopes of securing any information regarding her whereabouts.
Highlighting the status of the search efforts, Subhranshu Roy cited official documentation from the crisis zone. "My wife is on the missing list," he stated, noting that no concrete updates have been provided to him by administrative officials so far. He reassured that their two children, a son and a daughter, are currently safe at home with him while they await news.
Widespread Destruction in Nepal and Missing Indian Nationals
The calamity was triggered by torrential floodwaters originating from Tibet, which swept across areas in Nepal bordering China. Multiples regions contiguous to Tibet have suffered extreme damage, leaving infrastructure collapsed and communities isolated. Because rescue operations remain ongoing and condition reports arrive hourly, the comprehensive toll of fatalities, injuries, and property loss continues to evolve.
According to the latest figures released by the Nepalese government, officials have verified 270 deaths resulting from the catastrophe, while more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs provided crucial diplomatic data regarding affected citizens, confirming that 288 Indian nationals are currently reported missing in Nepal.
Accusations Against China and Findings by USGS
The disaster has sparked diplomatic controversy, with allegations pointing toward China for failing to provide timely warnings. Critics contend that Chinese authorities delayed informing Nepal about the severe devastation occurring in Tibet, where surging waters carried heavy mud, rocks, and massive boulders rapidly toward Nepalese territory.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal firmly denied these allegations, claiming that the destruction stemmed from an earthquake or glacier collapse within Nepal itself rather than events on the Chinese side. However, scientific data from the US Geological Survey contradicts Beijing's assertion. According to the agency, a major glacier outburst occurred in Tibet, triggering a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that propelled the destructive flood downstream into Nepal.
