MANILA (UPDATED) — The family of Filipino doctor Juan Carlos Manalo, who went missing in Nepal following the deadly floods, has been “very worried” by the lack of updates from the government but noted that they understand the difficulty on the ground.
Manalo’s sister, Chiara, said they are waiting for updates from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in India, which has concurrent jurisdiction over Nepal.
“We're still saddened and very worried by the lack of updates regarding my brother and his group, but we understand the difficulties on the ground given the aftermath. We're still hoping and praying for good news soon,” Manalo told ABS-CBN News in a message on Sunday.
Manalo said they have also built contacts with people who are in Nepal and China.
“They've been very kind to offer updates and speak up about our brother on our behalf,” she added, expressing gratitude to those who helped her family.
Manalo said her brother was in Timure, a kilometer away from Gyirong immigration office, at the time he went missing. The doctor, she said, was one of the volunteers stationed by the base of the mountain in Timure.
The family’s last contact with Juan Carlos was on Aug. 25, a day before the flash floods swept.
‘We’re praying he’s okay’: Filipino doctor among missing in Nepal floods, family confirms
More than 620 people were confirmed dead in Nepal while rescuers are searching for over 2,400 missing persons.
The DFA said it is coordinating with its embassy in New Delhi and assured to provide updates as soon as possible.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier extended sympathies to the families of the victims of the flash floods and landslides.
Rescuers dig into tunnel as missing toll from Nepal, China flood nears 3,000
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