Dozens of Americans remain unaccounted for after catastrophic flash floods and mudslides devastated the Nepal-Tibet border region Wednesday, killing hundreds and triggering a massive international search-and-rescue operation.
The Nepal Tourism Board reported Thursday that 63 Americans were among hundreds of foreign tourists not yet located. Officials cautioned that the number of missing U.S. citizens has fluctuated as communications are restored and rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas.
Two Americans, described as a man and woman in their 50s, were among 27 foreign tourists rescued from the Rasuwa district, providing rare encouraging news as the recovery effort continued.
What Happened
The disaster struck around 8:40 a.m. local time Wednesday when an enormous torrent of water, mud and debris surged through northern Nepal near its border with China’s Tibet region. The surge overwhelmed communities along the Trishuli River and destroyed buildings, bridges and roadways.
Officials initially believed seismic activity triggered the disaster, but the U.S. Geological Survey determined the seismic signal was generated by a massive glacial collapse and debris flow rather than an earthquake.
The glacial collapse reportedly began roughly 12 miles northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, sending ice, rock and debris plunging into the valley before the devastating surge traveled downstream toward populated areas.
Scale of the Disaster
More than 350 people were reported dead across the broader disaster zone by Thursday, with more than 1,000 remaining missing in Nepal and China. Nepalese authorities reported hundreds of people still unaccounted for, including local residents, security forces members and tourists.
Among foreign tourists reported missing in Nepal were 177 Indian nationals, 63 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 34 Australians, 33 British citizens and 25 Canadians, along with smaller numbers from Germany, Singapore and South Africa. Across the border in Tibet, Chinese state media reported 558 people missing in Gyirong County, including approximately 260 foreign nationals.
Communications remain severely disrupted in portions of the region, creating the possibility that some people classified as missing could ultimately be found alive once cellphone networks and transportation links are restored.
Rescue Operations
Thousands of Nepalese soldiers and police officers have been deployed into the disaster zone, with military helicopters conducting repeated flights to search for survivors and deliver emergency supplies. The Nepali Army said its aircraft evacuated 125 people, including 20 foreign nationals, from the Timure and Mailung areas Thursday morning.
Entire stretches of critical infrastructure have been devastated, complicating the already dangerous rescue mission as emergency crews navigate unstable terrain, thick mud and high water.
U.S. Response
The U.S. government has begun mobilizing resources to determine the whereabouts and condition of citizens caught in the flooding. “The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The State Department said it was “closely monitoring the situation and is deploying a disaster response adviser to the region to support response efforts.” The department also announced $500,000 in assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services for emergency shelter, relief items and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed American solidarity with Nepal and said the United States stood ready to assist the country’s government with humanitarian needs. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal urged Americans in the disaster zone who could communicate to contact their families, hotels, guides, trekking companies or tour operators immediately.
Missing Tour Groups
Among those caught in the disaster were travelers associated with the India-based Isha Foundation, which told ABC News that 22 Americans were among a 77-person tour group at an immigration center near the Nepal-Tibet border when flooding struck.
Three additional missing Americans were reportedly traveling with the Nepalese company Fishtail Tours and Travel, which confirmed that U.S. nationals were among tourists still unaccounted for.