Surrey Community Rallies as Beloved Religious Leader Missing in Nepal
A Pilgrimage Turned to Tragedy
The Surrey community is reeling after learning that Nabhi Nandan Das, 64, a respected religious leader who has served the area for decades, remains missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal on August 26. Mr Das, who founded and runs the Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre in Coulsdon, was guiding a pilgrimage tour alongside 15 other British nationals when catastrophic flooding swept through the region, claiming over 1,000 lives according to Nepalese authorities.
The group had just crossed into the Tibet region when the disaster struck. Contact was lost at 8.40am as the party entered immigration offices, and subsequent reports confirmed that even this supposedly safe location was engulfed by the floodwaters. For many residents across Coulsdon, Guildford, and surrounding Surrey villages, Mr Das has been a cornerstone of spiritual community life, having led pilgrimages to Nepal for more than two decades. His lengthy service to the community has created deep connections throughout the region, making this tragedy deeply personal for thousands of local people who have participated in his guided tours and spiritual programmes over the years.
Tragedy Strikes Multiple Surrey Families
The human toll extends far beyond Mr Das. Among those unaccounted for are members of a prominent Cobham family, including teenager Spandan Sahu, who had just completed his A-levels at Royal Grammar School in Guildford. The 18-year-old was preparing to read philosophy, politics and economics at university. His father, Santosh Sahu, 46, is chief executive of Charac, a respected UK pharmaceutical technology company. His mother, Surabhi Manmath Padhy, 44, is a community figure in her own right, having competed in the 2018 Mrs India UK beauty pageant finals where she won recognition for her community contributions. The family’s 13-year-old daughter, Syna Kumari Sahu, was also part of the tour group.
Currently, 36 British nationals remain unaccounted for across all affected regions, according to Foreign Office updates. Mr Das’ family, including his wife and son who travelled to Nepal immediately after learning of the disaster, are awaiting permission to cross into China to assist search and recovery efforts. The Foreign Office continues coordinating with international authorities to locate survivors and recover those who have perished.
Community Response and How You Can Help
The Surrey community has responded with characteristic generosity. Dee Shah, a relative of Mr Das, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser that has already exceeded £10,000. These funds are earmarked for essential family travel costs, supporting search and rescue operations, and assisting with funeral arrangements for those who have died. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Red Cross in Nepal, helping with broader relief efforts.
For those wishing to support the families affected, donations to the fundraiser remain open and welcome. Alpine Eco Trek, the tour operator, has been fielding thousands of calls from concerned families in the UK and is coordinating with international rescue teams. Residents are urged to check on friends and family members who may have been connected to the pilgrimage tours. Community organisations, religious centres, and local businesses across the region are organising support networks and gatherings to help families cope during this extraordinarily difficult time. If you have any information or wish to contribute to relief efforts, local community centres in Coulsdon and surrounding areas can provide guidance on how best to help.
Source: Desperate search for Surrey man, 64, missing after flash floods in Nepal
