Dozens Missing Amid Devastating Nepal Floods and Mudslide
The government of Malaysia reports that 55 of its citizens are missing in Nepal. Communication network and electricity disruptions are complicating rescue efforts. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not confirmed any casualties and is collaborating with local authorities on search and rescue operations.
In Tibet, Chinese officials report at least three dead and 558 missing, including 260 foreign nationals, after a mudslide struck Gyirong, a border crossing county with Nepal. Norbu Tsering, acting mayor of Shigatse city, confirmed rescues and recoveries at a news conference. The number of missing has more than doubled from previous estimates. President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive search efforts and enhancement of monitoring and warning systems to avert future disasters. Roads to Gyirong Port are blocked, obstructing rescue operations.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the confirmed absence of 34 Australians, as officials grapple with limited access and information due to the disaster’s magnitude. These individuals were on separate pilgrimage and tour groups. Australia is deploying crisis response teams to assist. Minister Wong acknowledged the extensive loss of life and damage.
Forty-seven American tourists are also unaccounted for, according to Nepal’s tourism board spokesperson Sunil Sharma. While the U.S. State Department hasn’t confirmed numbers, it is monitoring developments and has sent a disaster response adviser to the area. Additionally, $500,000 in aid is being provided through Catholic Relief Services. The Nepali tourism authorities indicate over 400 foreign nationals are missing, with affected countries including India, Canada, Britain, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia.
Nepali officials report the catastrophic flash floods have left hundreds of tourists, including some Americans, missing near the Nepal-China border. Surveillance footage shows torrents of water destroying buildings and bridges along the Rasuwa region at the Nepal-Tibet border. The videos depict people swept away by the powerful surge while crowds unsuccessfully attempt to escape the deluge. Vehicles, once parked, are engulfed and displaced by mud-filled waters. The catastrophic event transformed verdant valleys into realms of destruction.
Footage captured on a bus in Bidur reveals the panic as the water surge approaches. People frantically flee on foot while vehicles attempt escape. Further footage from Nepali police illustrates roads and structures utterly destroyed. The scale of devastation is profound, with many local communities severely affected.