Pillay sisters cling to hope as parents remain missing after Nepal-Tibet floods - IOL

The Pillay family. From Left: Saishnie, Viveka, Vivaganathan, Janet, Megeshni and Tarini.

The daughters of Vivaganathan and Janet Pillay say they have received no confirmed information since the couple disappeared during floods near the Nepal-Tibet border.

It is more than two weeks after communications was lost with the couple, but they refuse to give up hope that their loved ones will return home safely.

Ladysmith couple Vivaganathan Pillay, 66, and his wife Janet Pillay, 56, were were on pilgrimage in Nepal when they flash floods hit.

The other missing South Africans include Surendranath Maharaj, 74, and his wife Anitha Devi Maharaj, 67, of Ladysmith, Bavika Ramjee, 43, from East London, and Terricia Govender, 33, from Isipingo Beach.

For the Pillay family, the uncertainty has been particularly painful.

Vivaganathan and Janet ran a family business in Ladysmith and Dundee.

Their eldest daughter, Saishnie Pillay, 34, a teacher, said her family was struggling to cope with the prolonged absence of their parents.

“As a family, we are not doing well. It has been very difficult, especially as it has been such a long time with no news or updates on our parents,” she said.

Saishnie said the uncertainty was especially taking a toll on her younger sister.

“My youngest sister is particularly struggling and it is also affecting her academics and her health.”

She said the family had contacted authorities and diplomatic representatives to find out what had happened to their parents.

“We have informed all relevant departments and embassies in South Africa, as well as in Nepal and China; however, there is still no information regarding my parents,” she said.

South African couple Vivaganathan Pillay, 66, and Janet Pillay, 56, are among six South Africans missing after devastating flash floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, 2026.

According to Saishnie, the family received delayed assistance from South African authorities, while Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was the only person who had personally reached out to them.

“My parents were heading into Tibet the morning of the flood. They were supposed to cross the border the day before, but landslides, rockfalls and heavy traffic blocked their path, so they stayed overnight in Timure,” she said.

Saishnie said her mother called the family the night before the disaster.

“My mom called to let us know they were exhausted, but safe, and heading to the border early the next morning.”

She said the family believed their parents had crossed into China shortly before the floods struck.

“They were the first in line and were processed with their tour bus between 8am and 8.30am. We believe they crossed through Chinese immigration into Tibet around 8.30am to 8.40am, shortly before the flood struck around 9am.”

The family has held on to a crucial piece of information which continues to give them hope.

“Twenty minutes after the flood hit, a phone belonging to another passenger on their bus was still pinging a location on the Tibet side. Because of this, we hold onto the belief that they are on the Tibet side,” Saishnie said.

“The last information we received about my parents was that they entered Tibet, China. After that, all communications and lines were down. Therefore, it became very difficult to find out information about my parents or their pilgrimage group.”

For her sister, Viveka Pillay, 32, a homeopathic doctor and traditional herbalist, her parent’s journey to Mount Kailash was far more than a holiday.

She said it had been a lifelong dream for her father, a devotee of Lord Shiva.

“Taking a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash was a long-awaited dream of my father. As a devotee of Lord Shiva, he and my mother have prepared for this journey for years,” Viveka said.

“To honour the austerities required for the pilgrimage, my father even adopted a vegetarian diet.”

The couple had joined a tour organised through an ISKCON group, which Viveka said included mainly British and Irish tourists, along with local Nepalese guides and Sherpas.

“Together, my parents prepared themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, equipping themselves with all the necessary hiking gear and supplies to stay at the retreats along the route to Mount Kailash.”

Viveka said her last conversation with her mother was the day before the floods.

“She was tired but she was still excited to continue her journey. She kept saying how breathtakingly beautiful Nepal was.”

For the family, the absence of their parents has left an enormous void.

“My parents mean absolutely everything to us as a family. They are very humble and down-to-earth people. They play a big role in our family,” she said.

“They give many people religious guidance as well as medical and spiritual guidance. They are loved by the entire family as well as the community of Ladysmith.”

Viveka said thousands of people in South Africa and abroad were praying for their safety.

“As their daughters, our biggest concern is the safety of my parents and the uncertainty of not knowing exactly where our parents could be.”

The family remains in contact with police, DNA departments and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, while also trying to maintain communication with diplomatic representatives.

“We hope and pray that many survivors are found as we now know the severity of this situation that can only be felt through experience. We are praying for survivors to return safely to their loved ones.”

Their message to their parents remains one of love and hope.

“Mum and Dad, we love you both immensely. We are continuing our search for both of you. We have not given up. We have faith and hope that you will return to us safely.”

For the Pillay sisters, that hope remains unwavering.