Isipingo Beach Mother Holds on to Hope as Daughter is Still Missing in Nepal

By Timothy Sale

ISIPINGO BEACH — For Linda Govender, waiting for news about her daughter has turned into a painful struggle between fear and hope.

Her 33-year-old daughter, Terricia Govender, is one of six South Africans reported missing after severe floods hit Nepal on August 27.

Terricia was part of a religious tour group of 12 pilgrims from various countries when the disaster occurred in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu. She was said to be inside an immigration office at the Nepal-Tibet border when a huge rush of water, mud, ice, and debris flooded the area after a glacial lake collapsed.

With rescue teams facing challenges due to heavy rain and fog, Linda describes the uncertainty as unbearable.

“I just want to go to Nepal and be there, because for me, it feels like I’m closer to her,” she expressed.

Although others have advised the family against traveling due to the hazardous conditions, Linda is resolute.

“I want to be there, and then, hopefully, I can bring her home,” she stated.

Reports indicate that over 2,500 people are still missing as rescue operations continue.