Additional Coverage:
- Americans confirmed missing in apocalyptic Nepal flooding as homes and roads swept away (themirror.com)
At least three Americans are reported missing following severe flooding in Nepal, according to an announcement from the Nepal Tourism Board. The disaster struck the northern Rasuwa district, near the border with Tibet, when an avalanche of ice and rock triggered devastating flash floods. The calamity has claimed at least eight lives, with hundreds more unaccounted for.
Authorities have reported that 384 tourists remain missing, including nationals from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. The flooding occurred around 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing extensive damage by destroying villages, roads, and hydropower installations along the Bhotekoshi River.
Nepalese government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel confirmed that assistance has been requested from both India and China to support ongoing rescue operations. Reports indicate that the three missing Americans were traveling with a Nepali tour company, Fishtail Tours and Travel.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events, stating that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Nepali authorities. Efforts are underway to locate and account for U.S. citizens potentially affected by the flooding.
In the district of Nuwakot, one of the hardest-hit areas, entire multi-story buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure have been buried under mud. Officials have issued warnings to residents in several districts, advising them to avoid riverbanks along the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers due to ongoing risks.
Most of the missing tourists are believed to be pilgrims from India and the Indian diaspora en route to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a site of religious significance for Hindus. Additionally, South Korean government officials reported that some of their citizens working on a local hydropower project are among those missing. Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 11 Malaysians in the affected Rasuwa district have lost contact, according to information received from travel agencies.
Rescue and relief efforts continue as authorities work to assess the full impact of this tragic natural disaster.