Missing Filipino in Nepal flood identified; sister asks for help

The Filipino who has been missing following the massive flood in Nepal has been identified by Nepalese authorities, as his sister now calls for help in tracing his whereabouts.

According to an official log by Nepal's Department of Tourism, Juan Carlos Manalo of the Philippines has been listed as a missing person in the wake of Wednesday's flooding.

Manalo was identified as part of a "trekkers society."

As this developed, Chaira Manalo, who identified herself as the sister of Juan Carlos, took to social media to ask for information related to his current location and assistance in coordinating with Nepalese authorities.

"Juan Carlos Manalo has been out of contact with his family since the flash flood on August 26," Chiara posted on Facebook.

He was traveling with the Isha Sadghuru group on a Kailashyatra tour, with the group’s last known whereabouts at the Immigration Office in Gyirong, the post read, which identified her brother as a Filipino doctor.

His last contact with his family was on August 25 at 1:21 p.m. Philippine time (11:06 a.m. Nepal time).

Chiara said the family has been trying to reach Philippine officials for assistance.

“My brother, Juan Carlos, was at the immigration office in Nepal when the flash flood happened,” she told GMA News Online via private message.

Chiara said she contacted the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, which represents the Philippines in Nepal, and was given another contact number that she has been unsuccessful to reach as of posting time.

The family is now seeking other contacts or agencies that can help coordinate with Nepalese authorities and assist in the ongoing search operations.

'Please include him in your prayers'

The family also appealed to anyone with information about Juan Carlos or the group he was traveling with to come forward.

“Any information or news about him or his group would be greatly appreciated,” the family said.

They also called for prayers that Juan Carlos may safely return to home, saying the family has found it difficult to follow news of the catastrophe while waiting for updates.

The family provided the following contact numbers for information regarding Juan Carlos:

• Jose Rodrigo Manalo: +63 917 302 3077
• Dinah Marie Manalo: +63 917 514 3465
• Chiara Manalo: +63 917 791 7849

The Philippine Embassy has yet to publicly identify the Filipino reported missing in the disaster.

Philippine Ambassador to New Delhi Josel F. Ignacio earlier confirmed that one Filipino was among those reported missing, saying the person was not a resident of Nepal and that officials were still awaiting formal information. — VDV, GMA News