Member of SML International Advisory Board Missing
Dr. Rao Unnava, a member of the International Advisory Board of the ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML), and his wife, Vasu Unnava, have been missing since the recent flash flood in Tibet.
On 26 August 2026, a devastating flash flood in the border region between Tibet and Nepal caused a catastrophe, which was reported around the world. The flood swept away people, houses, and even entire bridges. Rao Unnava, a member of the SML’s International Advisory Board, was in the area near the border between Tibet and Nepal with his wife, Vasu, at the time of the disaster.
On 1 July 2026, Rao stepped down as Dean of the Graduate School of Management (GSM) at UC Davis to take a one-year sabbatical. About an hour before the disaster, he and his wife were at a hotel in Timure, Nepal. They have not been seen since or contacted anyone, and their whereabouts remain unknown. UC Davis stated in a press release that it is currently working with authorities in Nepal and the U.S. Department of State to locate Rao and Vasu.
The SML wishes the family and loved ones of Rao and Vasu Unnava strength during this time of uncertainty and concern. We all hope that Rao and Vasu will be found safe and well.