About 80 Americans remain missing after a devastating Himalayan flood last Wednesday. The flood resulted in hundreds of fatalities. This information comes from the State Department’s latest update. Previously, at least 90 Americans were reported missing in the area near the Nepal-China border.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that 13 American citizens have reached safety in Nepal. Despite this, Nepal’s death toll has increased to 903 people. Officials have reported that those unaccounted for have almost doubled to around 4,200.
The disaster in north-central Nepal originated from a slope failure involving a glacier. This failure set off a rapid debris flow, which ran approximately 62 miles downstream, hitting populated regions. Footage showed water and debris rushing through valleys, destroying buildings.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated that 903 bodies have been found. About 4,200 people remain unaccounted for. Over 10,000 people have been rescued, including more than 323 foreigners. Approximately 590 foreign nationals, from 39 countries, are still missing.
Among the missing Americans, 22 were part of a pilgrimage linked with Isha Foundation, a nonprofit in Tennessee. They were in an immigration building when the flood occurred.
Nepal coordinates with neighboring nations and global partners for relief efforts. Supplies are coming from India, China, and other countries. More are expected from various nations and organizations like the U.S. and UAE.
Relief and humanitarian assistance are being provided in the affected areas. We are deeply grateful to our friends and partners for their solidarity, goodwill, and generous offers of support.
The State Department announced last Wednesday they are monitoring the situation, deploying a disaster response advisor to assist recovery. They will provide $500,000 through Catholic Relief Services for emergency needs, including shelter and sanitation.
USGS investigators are uncertain whether the initial event was a landslide involving a glacier or a glacial collapse with debris. The glacier-related event caused a 5.2-magnitude earthquake with another seismic event following, equaling a 4.2-magnitude quake.
The debris flow included water and ice that quickly melted, gathering more material and water as it moved. This created a swift landslide and flood filled with boulders and debris.
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