Kathmandu— Nepali Army Corporal Tapendra Kunwar, 32, has been missing since the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa, Nepal, with his family in Ghodaghodi Municipality-1 continuing to wait for news of his safe return after 10 days of searching, as officials confirm the search operation is ongoing but no updates have been received.

Family's Daily Struggle

Every time Dan Bahadur Kunwar's mobile phone rings, he dreads the possibility of bad news, though he still holds onto hope that it might be about his son, Corporal Tapendra Kunwar. The 63-year-old father, along with his wife Kunti and daughter-in-law Maya, has been living in a state of anxiety since Tapendra went missing during the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa.

Tapendra, who had been in regular contact with his family until the evening before the flood, last spoke to his parents by phone and had a video call with his wife Maya, just a year after their marriage. The family has been waiting for news of his safe rescue, with Maya, who was in India with her parents when she learned of the flood, returning home to join the grieving household.

Kunti, 60, is often unable to speak when asked about her son, tears streaming down her face. Dan Bahadur frequently breaks down while answering questions, and the family home has become a place of constant tears and pleas for Tapendra's safe return.

Search Efforts and Official Updates

The family has been informed by officials that the government is actively searching for Tapendra, with Dan Bahadur advised to stay at home rather than travel to Kathmandu for the search operation. Tapendra's elder brother, Birendra, has been sent to Kathmandu to follow the search efforts and relay updates to the family.

Officials from the Nepali Army and other government agencies have been calling the family to provide updates and reassurance, though no positive news has been received. Despite the ongoing search, the family remains hopeful, citing reports of people being found alive after going missing in the flood.

Dan Bahadur expressed confidence in the government's efforts, stating, "The government has done whatever it can in the search operation. My son is a soldier. He can overcome even small difficulties on his own. Perhaps he is trapped somewhere in a tunnel or underground passage and has not yet found a way out. We have not lost hope yet."

Military Service and Family Background

Tapendra Kunwar, 32, has served in the Nepali Army for 12 years, beginning as a regular soldier and rising to the rank of corporal. His father described his son's dedication to service, highlighting his progression through the ranks.

The family's home in Loharpur, Ghodaghodi Municipality-1, has become a place of mourning and hope, with relatives and neighbors offering comfort but unable to alleviate the family's deep sorrow. Maya, Tapendra's wife, has been inconsolable since returning from India, repeatedly pleading, "Please come back soon. Otherwise, take me with you too."

The family's resilience is evident in their continued hope, even as the days pass without news, with Dan Bahadur emphasizing his son's ability to handle challenges, a testament to his military training and character.

The search for Corporal Tapendra Kunwar continues, with the family awaiting further updates from authorities while maintaining their hope for his safe return.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.