47 travelers from Maryland company's tour missing in Nepal flooding

Severe flooding in Nepal has left dozens of people unaccounted for after floodwaters swept through lodging areas associated with a sacred pilgrimage. Local authorities say a number of hotels were washed away or damaged along the pilgrimage route, disrupting travel plans for worshippers and visitors. Among those reported missing are 47 travelers who were part of a tour organized by a Maryland-based company, according to officials and the operator. Rescue teams, police and local volunteers have been scouring the affected towns and riverside accommodations, but ongoing bad weather and challenging terrain have slowed efforts. Officials cautioned that the toll and the number of missing could rise as search operations continue and as dawn breaks clearer skies for helicopters and ground teams. The Maryland-based operator said it is coordinating with authorities to account for every traveler and to provide assistance to families, while also reviewing safety measures for future trips. Local authorities advised residents and pilgrims in the region to stay away from flooded zones and to follow official guidance. The incident highlights the risks associated with large group pilgrimages in Nepal during extreme weather, and authorities urged travelers to monitor advisories and contact the operator for updates. Nepal’s disaster response teams have mobilized boats, drones and rescue equipment in the hardest-hit districts as officials stressed the importance of timely information for families awaiting word.