Family of Port Moody couple missing in Nepal floods awaits news

The family of a Port Moody couple missing after flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border says it is desperately waiting for information about whether they have been found or rescued.

Dhaval Shah and his wife, Megha Shah, were on a spiritual journey in Nepal when the flooding hit. Dhaval’s brother, Kheval Shah, speaking from Mumbai, India, said the family has been unable to learn their fate.

Authorities have reported at least 570 deaths in the floods. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has said 32 Canadians and permanent residents are missing in the region. The Nepal Tourism Board said Friday that 121 foreign nationals had been rescued, but none were Canadian.

Many of those missing were believed to have been travelling on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists and others. Hundreds of people have also been displaced across the Himalayan region.

Kheval Shah said he last heard from his brother Monday, while a cousin last heard from the couple Tuesday. He called on the Canadian government to press Nepal for more information. Canada has pledged $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid for Nepal, to be delivered through organizations including the Red Cross.