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Metro Atlanta woman among thousands missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods

Mary Sorensen and her family Photo: Ryan Wildmore

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A metro Atlanta woman is among the thousands of people reported missing after devastating flash floods in parts of Nepal.

Mary Sorensen from Cherokee County traveled on a Kailash pilgriage earlier this month. Her son says the last time they heard from her was Tuesday morning.

The next day is when catastrophe struck.

The family says they aren’t giving up hope that their loved one will be found, on Channel 2 Action News at 6:00 p.m.

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The flash floods and landslides were likely triggered by a glacial collapse in Langtang National Park in Nepal, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Scientists say the glacier failure had an energy level equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.

“The glacial debris contained water and ice that rapidly melted, picking up more material and water as it flowed downslope in the existing stream and river channels, creating a fast-moving, far-traveled landslide and flood laden with boulders and other rubble,” the USGS explains on its 2026 Nepal Debris Avalanche and Flash Flood information page.

As of Monday morning, officials say the death tolls from Nepal and China have surpassed 900. Another 4,700 people remain missing. At least 85 Americans, including Sorensen, are unaccounted for.

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The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.

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