Family of missing Latvian opera violinist Svetlana Okuņa still hopes
Nearly a week after devastating landslides and floods hit Nepal and Tibet, the fate of 33 Latvian and two Estonian citizens remains unknown, including Svetlana Okuņa, the first violinist of the Latvian National Opera.
Almost a week has passed since massive landslides and floods struck Nepal and Tibet, claiming hundreds of lives. The fate of 33 Latvian and two Estonian citizens, who were trapped in the affected region and have been listed as missing, remains unknown.
Missing opera violinist
Among those unaccounted for is Svetlana Okuņa, the first violinist of the Latvian National Opera and an officer of the Order of the Three Stars. Her family had their last contact with her on 25 August, the day before the disaster, and have not heard from her since.
Her daughter Vera Otlāne and her husband Vladimir Okuņs, a celebrated baritone in Latvian opera, are waiting in Riga. According to the family, they are holding on to hope that the situation will become clearer and are looking for any news about the missing woman.
The landslides and floods in Nepal and Tibet are among the deadliest natural disasters to hit the region in recent years. Rescue efforts continue, but the difficult terrain and remote areas are slowing the search, leaving relatives in a painful state of uncertainty.
