New Jersey couple missing amid Nepal flooding
BLOOMFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey couple is among the missing after catastrophic flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border, according to family members and local officials.
Bimalbhai Patel and his wife, Jaiminaben Patel of Bloomfield, were in the region for a religious retreat when flooding and mudslides swept through the area, destroying buildings and leaving many people unaccounted for. Neighbors in Bloomfield said they were stunned to learn the couple is missing.
The couple's 9-year-old son is safe with relatives in India, according to family members. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities search for survivors and those still missing.
The Patel family issued a statement pleading for help in locating the couple.
"My sister and brother-in-law are missing near the Nepal border, in an area affected by flooding. We urgently request the authorities to help locate and rescue them as soon as possible," according to the statement.
Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said the community is prepared to support the Patel family during the crisis.
The growing list of missing people also includes New Yorkers. Ramesh Sharma and Neelam Sharma were on the pilgrimage when the flooding struck and have not been in contact with family members in New York since Wednesday morning, when they were near Tibet.
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