The flash floods and mudslides in Nepal have resulted in a death toll of at least 626. More than 2,400 individuals are missing, including approximately 90 Americans. The disaster struck along the Nepal-Tibet border, affecting many communities.
Four days have passed since the floods swept through the Himalayan valleys. Homes, bridges, and infrastructure have been destroyed, hindering rescue efforts. Damaged roads, power outages, and fears of further flooding complicate the situation. China has reported seven deaths and 554 missing people in Tibet, raising questions about possible overlaps in missing-person counts.
“Massive flooding began when an enormous ice and rock column broke off a mountaintop,” geologists reported.
Videos show debris swallowing buildings and vehicles, disrupting towns and cutting roads, power, and communications. The collapse of a melting glacier registered as a magnitude-4.4 earthquake.
The State Department has reported no confirmed American deaths, though many U.S. citizens remain unaccounted for, increasing uncertainty. Among the missing are Raghu Rajan and Archana Suresh from Texas, who were in the affected area at the onset of the disaster.
Deepak and Madhu Ahuja from Texas were visiting Mount Kailash for religious reasons. Their disappearance has left their family desperate for news.
The State Department urges U.S. citizens in affected areas to contact [email protected]. Families inquiring about missing loved ones can call 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere.
Helicopters resumed operations in Nepal’s Nuwakot district after poor weather delays. Supplies and aid, including food and clothing, are being delivered to flood-hit areas, and survivors are being evacuated.
Bodies have been retrieved along rivers and brought to Pokhara for identification. Some victims’ state of decomposition complicates identification, prompting police to use digital displays to help families recognize them.
Rescue operations continue under challenging conditions. The U.N. is aiding, and various entities have pledged $229 million to assist Nepal. The country may require $4 billion to $5 billion for rebuilding, the finance minister stated.