Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based Sridevi Vejella went missing after massive floods struck Nepal while she returned from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Her husband, Deepak Dandu, said on Sunday that he had lost contact with her after the disaster.
The Sridevi Vejella missing case has caused deep concern for her family. Deepak, an Indian-origin American citizen, travelled from the United States to India after learning about the incident.
Sridevi was among around 80 Isha Foundation members who were stranded in the floods. The group was returning after completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when the disaster struck.
The pilgrims had reached the Girong Immigration Center on the Nepal-Tibet border. However, a massive flash flood suddenly hit the area and surrounded the immigration building.
Mud, rocks and floodwater reportedly engulfed the structure. The force of the flooding then washed away the immigration building, leaving several people stranded.
Deepak said he had remained in regular contact with Sridevi until Tuesday. She had told him that she was returning, but her phone stopped working afterward.
As a result, his concern grew as he could no longer establish contact with her. Deepak then decided to travel to India to search for information about his wife’s whereabouts.
Sridevi and Deepak have a 13-year-old son. Although their son travelled to Hyderabad with Sridevi, he stayed with family members during the trip.
Deepak said his son was also deeply upset after hearing about the floods. Meanwhile, he was trying to obtain information about Sridevi while supporting their son.
Sridevi Vejella missing as rescue teams search flood site
Deepak said Sridevi was inside the immigration building when the floods struck. He added that the structure was completely destroyed during the disaster.
Rescue teams were carrying out operations at the site when Deepak spoke about the incident. Heavy machinery was being used as rescuers searched the affected area.
Deepak said Sridevi had wanted to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for a long time. He expressed regret that he could not accompany her on the pilgrimage.
He said he had left for Hyderabad from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. His immediate aim was to support his son and find information about Sridevi.
The Nepal floods have affected hundreds of families, according to the source. The incident also left members of the Isha Foundation group stranded while returning from the pilgrimage.
Deepak, speaking emotionally about the situation, said he wished he had joined Sridevi on the Yatra. He said circumstances had prevented him from travelling with her.
Rescue operations continued at the site as authorities and teams worked through the aftermath. The family remained anxious as efforts continued to determine Sridevi’s whereabouts.