Confirmed: Missing Durban pilgrim was on Tibet side when floods struck, says mother

Terricia Govender's friend Sashin Maharaj, her mom Linda Govender, and uncle Selva Govender pray at a temple before their search.

Linda Govender says immigration records confirm her daughter Terricia was still on the Tibet side of the Nepal-China border when devastating floods struck.

The family is awaiting permission to enter the area.

Speaking from Nepal on Thursday, Govender said that they were waiting for Chinese authorities to let families of missing pilgrims into the area.

“The direction of the water at the border flowed both ways. We have extensively searched the affected areas on the Nepal side of the flood. But we have always believed and now confirmed that Terricia was on the Tibet side of the border when the flood hit. 

“Unfortunately Chinese authorities have not yet allowed any of the families into the area. 

“We have reached out to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the SA Embassy in Beijing and the Chinese Consulate in South Africa for assistance.”

Govender said the Isha Foundation had reached out to them through a “chance encounter” yesterday.

“Our family was merely asking for some of the support that was initially offered by the Isha Foundation. When we received silence, we did what any family would do, and we made our feelings clear on the matter. 

“We can confirm that the foundation has reached out to us, by chance encounter yesterday. They have now offered some assistance with their local networks. This is what we had been hoping for a week ago.”

She said the Chinese government currently holds over 1,000 items which were recovered from the Tibet disaster area, and they are patiently awaiting access to view the items.

“It is incredibly difficult to wait through what seems like endless diplomatic protocols during an active emergency. 

“We have finally obtained permission for the use of a helicopter over the disaster zones in Nepal so we intend to spend as much time as we can around the border zone in Timure and Rasuwa. The flight was cancelled today due to unsafe weather conditions, but we are hoping that the weather will permit us to fly over the area tomorrow.”

Govender said she, her brother Selva Govender, and Terricia's friend, Sashin Maharaj, who are travelling with her in her search, have been able to reach all the disaster areas that are accessible by road and mountain passes. 

“Some of the mountain passes have been extremely treacherous and are still experiencing active landslides.

“Yet even when we get to the disaster zones, people are still willing to help us translate, and to show us to the nearest hospital or medical rescue camp. 

“Seeing the devastating effects of this flood has been hard to process. I do not think anyone is trained for or able to see some of the horrific effects of this flood and not be affected by it. 

“There is a massive physical and emotional toll that comes with experiencing the loss and suffering on this scale. My heart breaks thinking of my daughter in this situation, but also for Nepal, for every mother, father, brother and sister that is currently experiencing the aftermath of this disaster. We can only make it through each day by hoping,  praying , and leaving absolutely no stone unturned,” she added.

Govender said while they do not know how much longer they will be in Nepal, the moment they get permission to enter Tibet, they will go immediately.

“We stay where we can find accommodation closest to where we need to be the next day. 

“This isn't a journey I would ever imagine myself making. The people of Nepal have really gone out of their way to assist us where possible,” Govender added.