Nepal is usually associated with mountain trails, spiritual journeys and the promise of adventure.
However, a catastrophic collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayas on 26 August triggered devastating flash floods across Nepal, leaving almost 500 dead and hundreds missing, including six South Africans.
The disaster has turned one of the world's most popular high-altitude adventure destinations into a desperate search zone, with rescuers scouring riverbanks, roads and isolated mountain areas while families around the world wait for news of loved ones.
For the families of the six South Africans, that wait has become painfully personal.
As rescue teams search isolated riverbanks and mountain trails, the tragedy is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can turn fatal in high-altitude adventure destinations, leaving families worldwide desperately awaiting news.
The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems carried the destruction far downstream, washing away homes, roads and bridges while cutting off communities and tourism routes.
Nepal Police said the death toll had reached 469 by the morning of Friday, August 28. Hundreds of people remain missing as rescue teams search riverbanks and isolated areas.
The figures remain subject to change as authorities identify victims and establish the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for.
The disaster has turned one of the world's most popular high-altitude adventure destinations into a desperate search zone, with rescuers scouring riverbanks, roads and isolated mountain areas while families around the world wait for news of loved ones.
For six South African families, that wait has become painfully personal.
It is worth keeping in mind that being included on the preliminary list of unaccounted-for travellers released by Nepal's tourism authorities simply indicates that a person is missing, not that they are confirmed deceased.
How the disaster unfolded
The flood was not a conventional rainstorm event. A collapse involving ice and rock in the Himalayan region sent debris into a river system, creating conditions for an enormous surge downstream.
The force of the event also created a temporary barrier that trapped water before it eventually gave way. The resulting torrent carried mud, rocks and debris through populated areas.
Professor Hannah Cloke OBE, regius professor of meteorology and climate science at the University of Reading, said the disaster illustrates why predicting a hazard is only one part of protecting communities.
“Highest up the valley near the source of the flood, the floodwaters arrived within minutes,” she said.
Cloke explained that people farther downstream had more time to respond. In those areas, warnings reportedly helped save hundreds of lives.
But she said another challenge emerged when people were confronted with a flood despite clear skies.
“This highlights a critical but sometimes overlooked weakness in early warning systems,” she said.
“The most effective warning is not one that is simply heard. It is understood, believed and acted upon.”
Her comments point to a wider issue for travellers. Understanding that floods, landslides and other hazards can occur without the weather conditions people normally associate with them is increasingly important when visiting mountainous destinations.
South African families await news
The disaster has also become a deeply personal crisis for families in South Africa.
Nepal's tourism authorities reported that six South Africans were among those whose whereabouts were unknown. The figure was initially lower before being revised as more information became available.
Among those affected is Terricia Govender, a 33-year-old woman from Isipingo Beach in Durban.
According to reports, Govender was travelling with a larger group associated with the Isha Foundation after taking part in the Mount Kailash Yatra. Her family last spoke to her while she was shopping and sightseeing before communication was lost.
Her mother, Linda Govender, told “The Mercury" that the family initially believed poor cellphone reception had prevented further contact.
“I waited but thought that the signal was just bad. At 2.30pm, we got an email from the foundation saying that she was part of the group which was at the border and was now missing,” she said.
The five other South Africans reported missing are Ladysmith couple Surendranath Maharaj, 74, and Anita Devi Maharaj, 67; East London woman Bavila Ramjee, 43; and another Ladysmith couple, Vivaganathan Pillay, 66, and Janet Pillay, 56.
South Africa does not have a resident embassy in Nepal. Consular matters are handled through the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India. DIRCO has said it remains in contact with authorities and families affected by the disaster.
Clayson Monyela, DIRCO's deputy director-general for public diplomacy, stated, "We continue to monitor the situation while maintaining contact with both the local authorities and the families."
Why Nepal attracts South African travellers
Current disaster aside, Nepal's appeal as a travel destination is easy to understand.
The country is home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit have made Nepal a major destination for hikers seeking long journeys through mountain villages.
Then there is the spiritual side of the country.
Lumbini is regarded as the birthplace of Buddha and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Kathmandu Valley is home to important temples and religious sites including Pashupatinath and the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.
Nepal also offers experiences far beyond its mountains. In the southern Terai region, visitors can explore Chitwan National Park, where wildlife experiences may include sightings of one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
In Pokhara, paragliding offers views across the Himalayan landscape while the country's rivers attract visitors interested in rafting and kayaking.
For many travellers, this combination of adventure, spirituality and culture is what makes Nepal distinctive.
Should South Africans postpone their trip to Nepal?
For travellers planning to visit in the immediate future, caution is essential.
The affected districts include Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. Roads and bridges have been damaged, and some areas remain difficult to access. The Kathmandu Post reported that the disaster damaged roads and infrastructure across the affected region while rescue teams continued searching for missing people.
Travellers should not assume that a destination is safe simply because their hotel or trekking route appears to be outside the immediate flood zone.
Those with upcoming trips should contact their airline, accommodation provider and tour operator before departure. They should also check current government travel advisories because conditions can change quickly.
Travel insurance is another important consideration. Policies should be checked carefully for cover related to natural disasters, evacuation, cancellations and changes to travel plans.
Anyone travelling should also keep copies of their passport and insurance documents and share their itinerary with family or friends at home.
What to do if disaster strikes abroad
The priority is personal safety. Move away from rising water, damaged buildings and unstable slopes. Follow instructions from local authorities and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or rivers.
Communication can become difficult when power and mobile networks are disrupted. Travellers should conserve phone batteries and send short messages to family stating their location and condition.
If possible, contact local emergency services as well as your country's diplomatic representatives.
For South Africans, DIRCO should be contacted during a serious overseas emergency. Travellers should also notify their insurance provider because emergency assistance may include evacuation or help with alternative travel arrangements.
Nepal's disaster is a reminder that adventure travel comes with risks that cannot always be predicted by looking at the weather. For South Africans dreaming of the Himalayas, the destination may remain appealing, but the current situation demands patience.
For now, the safest choice is to monitor official updates, postpone travel to affected areas and wait until authorities confirm that roads, trekking routes and essential services are operating safely.
lutho.pasiya@nationalmg.co.za