Two doctors who have ties to Minnesota were reported missing after flash flooding swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet late last month, university officials and health systems said Tuesday.
Who is missing
The University of Minnesota’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery identified Dr. Ishan Patel, a recent graduate of an adult reconstructive surgery fellowship, and his wife, Dr. Akanksha Patel, as among those unaccounted for following the flooding. The university said the couple were on a pilgrimage when the disaster struck on Aug. 26 and that two relatives who were traveling with them also are missing: Shilpa Patel, Dr. Patel’s mother, and Umeshkumar Patel, Dr. Patel’s father-in-law.
What happened
According to the University of Minnesota, the group was likely at their hotel when floodwaters swept through the area and destroyed the building. The extent of the overall damage in the region has been substantial, with thousands reported missing and many communities impacted by the sudden flash floods.
"According to available information, Dr. Patel and his family were likely at their hotel when catastrophic flooding occurred. The hotel was swept away by the floodwaters, and Dr. Patel and his family are currently declared missing,"
The university added that recovery and search operations in the region are continuing.
Local connections and responses
Allina Health confirmed that Dr. Akanksha Patel is not a current employee but had previously worked as a psychiatrist at Mercy Hospital — Unity Campus in Fridley. In a statement, the health system extended condolences to her family and friends and said it was monitoring the situation.
The Patels hold dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, and relatives speaking with Canadian media reported the pilgrimage had been planned for some time to mark the end of Dr. Ishan Patel’s fellowship training.
Ongoing recovery and the human toll
Officials say the situation remains fluid. Search-and-rescue teams, local authorities and international aid organizations have been focused on locating survivors, accounting for the missing and evaluating damage to infrastructure and homes. In many affected communities, houses and bridges were damaged or destroyed as floodwaters rose suddenly.
The university’s statement underscored the evolving nature of the incident and offered sympathy to those affected.
Information for Minnesota residents
Relatives and friends seeking updates have been advised to monitor official channels for confirmations from government agencies, consular services and local authorities in the affected region. Institutions in Minnesota with ties to the missing individuals are coordinating as information becomes available.
- University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery: issued a formal notice identifying Dr. Ishan Patel and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
- Allina Health: confirmed Dr. Akanksha Patel’s prior employment and expressed condolences.
- Family reports: relatives told Canadian outlets the couple were on a long-planned pilgrimage when the flooding occurred.
Quick timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 26 | Flash flooding swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet; hotel reported swept away. |
| Sept. 8–9 | University of Minnesota and local health system issued statements identifying the missing individuals and confirming prior ties. |
As recovery work continues, Minnesota institutions and affected families have asked for patience while officials attempt to confirm details. The coming days may bring new information as search operations progress and more authorities on the ground report their findings.
The missing include seasoned medical professionals who trained and worked in the Twin Cities community. Local colleagues and former employers have expressed support for the families and are watching developments closely.
WE NEWS will provide updates as more information becomes available from university officials, health systems, consular services and international relief agencies.
