Himalayan Flood Disaster: Americans Missing and Relief Efforts Underway
Roughly 80 Americans remain unaccounted for following a catastrophic flood in the Himalayas last Wednesday, which resulted in hundreds of deaths. The State Department provided this update, marking a decrease from the 90 Americans initially reported missing near the Nepal-China border.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that 13 American citizens have reached safety in Nepal. The death toll in Nepal has increased to 903, with the number of missing nearly doubling to approximately 4,200 according to local officials as of Sunday.
We can confirm that 13 American citizens have made their way to safety in Nepal.
The disaster began in north-central Nepal, triggered by a distant slope failure involving a glacier. The debris flow traveled around 62 miles downstream, impacting populated areas. Videos show the destructive power as water and debris surged through valleys, overtaking buildings.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an update, stating that 903 bodies have been recovered and about 4,200 people remain unaccounted for. Over 10,000 individuals, including 323 foreign nationals, have been rescued. However, approximately 590 foreigners from 39 countries are still missing.
Among the missing Americans, 22 were part of a pilgrimage affiliated with the Tennessee-based Isha Foundation. They were inside an immigration building when the floodwaters struck, according to Jyoti Jankowski, the Foundation’s coordination leader.
Nepal is working with neighboring countries and the international community to deliver relief. Supplies have started arriving from nations like India and China, with more expected from the U.S., UAE, Myanmar, Qatar, the UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and international organizations.
A spokesperson expressed gratitude for the international support: “Relief and humanitarian assistance are being provided. We are deeply grateful to our friends and partners for their solidarity and generous offers of support at this difficult time.”
The State Department is monitoring the situation, deploying a disaster response advisor, and pledging $500,000 for relief through Catholic Relief Services to aid affected communities with shelter, supplies, and health needs.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) noted uncertainty about whether the disaster was triggered by a landslide involving part of a glacier or a glacial collapse. The event resulted in a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, with another seismic activity occurring three hours later.
The USGS explained that the glacial debris contained water and ice, quickly melting and accumulating more materials. This created a fast-moving landslide and flood, laden with boulders and other debris.
Bonny Chu is a Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital.