Ieva Taranda calls on public to remember Nepal disaster's missing as loved ones

Ieva Taranda, headmaster of Jūrmala State Gymnasium and an artist, has published an emotional message on social media urging people to talk about the Latvians missing after the Nepal disaster as loved family members and friends rather than just a number. Taranda is related to one of the missing — her sister-in-law, Agnese Fūrmane, is also among those unaccounted for.

A call to share memories

In her post, Taranda stresses that behind the number "33" are real people — mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands and friends, each with their own character, dreams and love for their families. She encourages relatives and friends of the missing to share stories and memories of what these people loved, what made them laugh, and how they helped others in everyday life. In her view, this allows the world to learn not only about the tragedy in Nepal but also about the good nature and lives of the missing. Taranda also urges people not to hide their emotions — to cry, to smile at fond memories, and to support one another. At the end of her post, she names all 33 missing Latvians, calling on people to keep telling their stories.

Background of the disaster

On August 26, a glacier collapse triggered extensive water and mudflow flooding in Nepal and China's Tibet region, an area where a group of Latvian travelers happened to be at the time. According to information available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 33 Latvian nationals are still considered missing. Chinese authorities have confirmed that all 33 had been in China, but it remains unclear whether they later crossed back into Nepal. Previously, a prayer service for the missing was held at Riga City Hall, and Riga Airport called on the public to support their relatives.