MORE than three weeks after Springfield mother Kanagamah Sundrasan disappeared following catastrophic flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border, her family and friends are continuing their wait for answers.
The 59-year-old mother of two was travelling with the Kailash Journeys group on a long-awaited pilgrimage to Mount Kailash when floods devastated the region on August 26.
Ms Sundrasan had reportedly spent around 18 months preparing for the journey and was just four days into the trip when communication was lost.
Her last known contact was a phone call with her husband while she was walking towards the Gyirong Immigration Centre near the Nepal-China border.
A photograph taken during the trip showed Ms Sundrasan smiling alongside five other members of her tour group, all of whom were subsequently reported missing.
Her daughter, Swaatika Kanniah, previously described her mother as “the kindest woman ever” and said the pilgrimage was something she had long wanted to experience.
As the search continues, friends have established the Supporting Kanagamah Sundrasan and her Family GoFundMe appeal, as of Monday, September 21, has raised $12,319.
The fundraiser is intended to assist the Springfield family with travel and accommodation, communication, administrative costs and everyday expenses while they navigate the ongoing uncertainty.
“Every contribution, however small, will be greatly appreciated and will provide meaningful support to the family during this challenging period,” organisers said.
The scale of the disaster has continued to grow since Ms Sundrasan was first reported missing.
Recent international reports indicate more than 1400 people have died across Nepal and Tibet, while thousands remain unaccounted for.
Difficult terrain, widespread infrastructure damage and the sheer volume of mud and debris have complicated search and identification efforts.
Nepalese authorities have also been collecting DNA samples from victims and families as the painstaking identification process continues.
Despite the passing weeks and the lack of confirmed information, Springfield residents have continued sharing the fundraiser and messages of support.
