NZ man missing in Nepal flash flood ‘dreamed of pilgrimage for years’
Dejan Kuzmic, a New Zealander, is missing following a catastrophic flash flood on the Nepal-China border that has left hundreds dead. He was part of an Isha Foundation pilgrimage group visiting Mount Kailash when the disaster struck.
Why it matters
The tragedy underscores the scale of the natural disaster in the region and the impact on international travelers and spiritual pilgrims.
Dejan Kuzmic has not made contact with family since the flood. Photo / Alicia Gimelfarb
A close friend has confirmed missing New Zealander Dejan Kuzmic was part of an Isha Foundation pilgrimage group inside the Gyirong immigration building when it was hit by a catastrophic flash flood in Nepal.
Kuzmic, who recently turned 44, was among 77 pilgrims returning from a trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
The group remains missing after the disaster on the Nepal-China border killed about 750 people, with more than 3000 still missing.
Alicia Gimelfarb, Kuzmic’s flatmate, said the pilgrimage was a dream he had been planning for several years.
“I met Dejan through school,” Gimelfarb said.
“We all went to Selwyn School,” she said. “He was best friends with my husband’s brother.”
Gimelfarb said Kuzmic had completed the pilgrimage and was passing through customs at the Gyirong immigration building when the flood struck.
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