The Nepalese government has reported that 636 foreign nationals, including 54 Ukrainians, remain missing following the devastating flood on August 26 near the Nepal-China border. Among the missing is 36-year-old Olena Kalinichenko, who was part of a group of 56 individuals traveling from Tibet’s Mount Kailash back to Kathmandu. The government has recovered 1,451 bodies and collected DNA samples from 2,035 families; however, families express frustration over the slow identification and search process. (October 9, Bangkok)
Despite more than a month passing since the catastrophic flood near the Nepal-China border, families of over 50 missing Ukrainian nationals continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones. Olena Kalinichenko, aged 36, was among a group of 56 people—mostly Ukrainians—who had journeyed to Tibet’s Mount Kailash for spiritual practice. They were returning home via Nepal when the flood struck on August 26, causing them to go missing. Kalinichenko was last seen about 15 minutes before the flood while exiting the Chinese border checkpoint.
The Nepalese government has confirmed that the flood claimed over 1,400 lives and left more than 6,000 individuals missing, many of whom are located within Nepalese territory. Of the missing, 636 are foreign nationals including 54 Ukrainians. China has reported 261 foreigners missing on its side of the border, including one Ukrainian. So far, Nepal has recovered 1,451 bodies, but only 112 have been handed over to families.
Authorities have collected DNA samples from 2,035 relatives, though the number of identified bodies has not been released publicly. Due to the flood destroying immigration offices and records on the Nepal side, there are difficulties confirming whether some foreigners who left China actually entered Nepal. Chinese officials have informed some families that their relatives had already crossed out of Chinese territory before the flood. The group, led by spiritual teacher Irina Blonskaya, had planned to travel by bus from Tibet to Kathmandu and then fly back to their respective countries.
Families of the missing have expressed concerns about delays in the search and identification efforts. Vladyslava Horlov, residing in Norway, has been in contact with the Ukrainian embassy, local police, and the Red Cross in search of her mother. She has also provided DNA samples to authorities. Even after a month, some families remain hopeful that their relatives may still be alive. Olena Kalinichenko’s friend, Vysych, is also trying to remain optimistic.
