State Department says about 85 Americans remain unaccounted for after Nepal-Tibet floods
A State Department spokesman said about 85 US citizens remained unaccounted for after catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border. Nine Americans have been evacuated, and officials said they were not aware of any American deaths so far.
WASHINGTON - About 85 Americans remained unaccounted for Sunday after deadly flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on ABC's "This Week."
Nine US citizens have been safely evacuated, Pigott said, and the department was not aware of any American deaths at that update. The figure was down from earlier reports that put the number of Americans who might be affected near 90.
The floods began Wednesday after a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalaya sent a surge down the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. Nepal has reported a death toll rising past 800, with more than 3,000 people missing across the disaster zone, according to coverage citing Nepalese authorities. Chinese officials have reported additional deaths and missing on their side of the border.
Many of the missing Americans were on pilgrimage routes toward Mount Kailash, a site sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Families in New York, New Jersey and other states have publicly sought word of relatives in their 60s who lost contact after the wall of water hit.
Pigott said the United States has surged staff support to embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing and is coordinating with Nepal's government. The State Department activated $3.6 million in emergency humanitarian aid, including up to three months of food for as many as 10,000 flood-affected households, on top of earlier shelter and water assistance.
President Donald Trump has said the United States is ready to provide help Nepal requests. Rescue crews continue to dig through mud and debris while officials warn of fresh flooding risk.
Americans seeking help abroad can call +1-202-501-4444. Family members in the United States can call 1-888-407-4747.
Go Deeper
How many Americans are missing?
About 85 remained unaccounted for in the State Department's Sunday update, with nine Americans evacuated and no confirmed US deaths at that time.
What caused the floods?
Officials and scientists linked the disaster to a glacial collapse and landslide that sent a sudden surge of water through Himalayan valleys along the Nepal-China border.
Why were so many Americans there?
Large numbers were on pilgrimage trips toward Mount Kailash. Tour groups and individual travelers were caught when communications and roads failed.
What aid has the US offered?
The State Department cited $3.6 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, including food support for flood-hit households, plus earlier shelter and sanitation aid.
Who should families call?
In the United States, call 1-888-407-4747. Americans overseas can call +1-202-501-4444 for consular help.
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