Talka Sada is searching for his son, Vinod, who has been missing since the flash floods on August 26 that devastated parts of northern Nepal. Sada, in his 50s, has traveled from Saptari to various locations, including Kathmandu and Nuwakot, in hopes of finding his son. He borrowed approximately 2,000 Nepali rupees (about $13) to fund his journey.
The floods, which resulted from the Bhotekoshi river, have caused significant destruction, leading to the loss of homes, schools, and infrastructure. Vinod, 19, had been working at a hydropower plant in Rasuwa district prior to the floods. Sada last spoke to him a day before the disaster.
Sada and his brother have visited hospitals and mortuaries but have not found any information about Vinod. They have faced challenges accessing resources and assistance, which Sada attributes to ethnic and caste discrimination against the Madhesi community, to which they belong.
The Nepali authorities have reported over 1,000 fatalities and thousands still missing due to the floods. Sada continues to hope for his son's survival, despite expressing feelings of despair. He remains determined to search for Vinod, stating that giving up is not an option.