Dozens of Americans and Canadians are among the hundreds of individuals reported missing following a catastrophic flash flood and mudslide near the Nepal-Tibet border, according to Nepali authorities. The disaster has resulted in a known death toll exceeding 150 people.
Scale of Disappearance and Foreign Nationals Affected
According to Nepal police, more than 500 tourists remain unaccounted for, including 466 foreign nationals hailing from 28 different countries.
The missing individuals include 54 people from the United States, more than 100 from India, 33 from the UK, 24 Canadians, and over 100 Nepalese citizens.
While the U.S. State Department confirmed it is aware that Americans have been impacted, it declined to provide specific figures or details for privacy reasons, though the U.S. Embassy in Nepal is collaborating closely with local authorities and tour agencies to assist affected citizens.
Canada’s Global Affairs Office noted that 820 Canadians are registered as being in Nepal and five are registered in the Tibet Autonomous Region, though these figures remain estimates due to the voluntary nature of the registration system. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that his government is closely following the situation and stands ready to offer support.
Cause of the Disaster and Infrastructure Damage
Initial reports suggested an earthquake might have triggered the ice avalanche and landslide; however, the U.S. Geological Survey concluded through further analysis that the seismic energy was instead generated directly by a landslide.
Scientists note that while climate change accelerates glacier melt in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, it is currently too premature to pinpoint its direct role in this specific event.
In China’s Tibet region, state media reported 3 deaths and 265 missing, with footage from CCTV showing a wall of water and mud striking buildings at a border crossing.
The flash flooding swept away entire communities, causing preliminary damage to roads and bridges estimated at over 15 billion Nepalese rupees (£72.18 million, $98.33 million), according to government officials.
Official Responses and Relief Efforts
Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the government, security forces, social organizations, political parties, and the general public to intensify rescue and relief operations while maintaining vigilance in lower coastal areas.
Issuing a statement on social media, the U.S. Embassy in Nepal expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the Bhote Koshi flood in the Rasuwa district and downstream communities, offering condolences to the families of those affected.
