Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, on 27 August confirmed that an 80-member international group associated with his organisation is unaccounted for after catastrophic flash floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border region. Speaking from Saga, Tibet, Sadhguru said all communication lines to the affected area are down and roads remain blocked, leaving the fate of the group unknown.

What Happened at the Border

According to Sadhguru, the group was at the immigration building near the Nepal-Tibet crossing when the disaster struck at 9:14 a.m. on Wednesday. Just nine minutes earlier, at 9:05 a.m., group leader Ishanga Praveen — a full-time volunteer with the Isha Foundation for over two decades — had sent a message confirming the team had arrived at immigration. His Nepal-side phone never activated after that, indicating he had not crossed over before the floods hit.

'So literally the entire group was there in the building. This is a terrible and an extraordinary event which unfortunately has turned out this way,' Sadhguru said.

Who Is in the Missing Group

The 80-member group comprised nationals from 14 countries, including 22 from the United States, 12 from Canada, 11 from Australia, 9 from the United Kingdom, 4 from Germany, 3 from France, 3 from Nepal, 2 each from the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and Spain, and one each from Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, and South Africa. The group included 34 male and 46 female participants, along with a few volunteers at nearby hotels, three additional volunteers, and one doctor.

Scale of Destruction and Missing Numbers

Sadhguru described the scale of damage as severe. 'The same building where we were for the immigration just a week ago — that entire building is washed away, and part of the town is washed away,' he said. Indian news reports, as cited by Sadhguru, indicate approximately 484 people are missing on the Nepali side. He estimated the overall toll across both sides could exceed 1,500 people, though he stressed there is no official confirmation from the Tibetan side. Nearly half of the border town, he said, has been 'carved out of the valley.'

Rescue Access and Embassy Coordination

Sadhguru said he is seeking permission through the Indian Embassy, the Chinese Embassy in India, and the American Embassy to travel to Gyirong in the Tibet Autonomous Region to support rescue efforts. Embassies of all countries whose nationals are part of the group have been notified, both in India and Nepal.

In a direct appeal to authorities, Sadhguru said: 'We, along with the families, beseech you to kindly allow us — myself and a few volunteers — to be at Gyirong. We deeply respect and understand the nature of the rescue efforts and will in no way hamper them. Our only intent is to stand with them and aid in looking for some signs that would help the families.'

What Comes Next

With all telecommunications severed and roads blocked, rescue operations remain severely constrained. Sadhguru confirmed he was stranded in Saga and unable to proceed further. The situation is expected to become clearer only once communication is restored or official access is granted to the disaster zone. Families of the missing group members are awaiting any confirmed information.