Approximately 85 American citizens remain unaccounted for following catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet, a U.S. State Department spokesperson announced Sunday. Nine Americans have been safely evacuated, and officials are currently unaware of any U.S. citizen deaths.
The announcement comes as rescue teams face challenging weather conditions that are slowing their efforts in the region. Nepali authorities have warned of the potential for further flooding.
State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated on ABC News' "This Week" that the department has increased assistance to U.S. embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing and is coordinating with the Nepali government on rescue operations. The U.S. has activated $3.6 million in emergency humanitarian aid, which will provide up to three months of food for as many as 10,000 households. This funding will also support road rebuilding and transit infrastructure.
"Our priority is the safety and security of the American people," Pigott said, acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining reliable information due to the remote location of the affected areas. "But our dedication remains."
According to Nepal Disaster Management, the flooding was reportedly triggered by a landslide approximately 12 miles from the Rasuwagadhi border post. The overall death toll from the floods has risen to at least 750 people, with more than 3,000 individuals still missing, according to Nepali and Chinese authorities.
Americans in the affected region are urged to contact the State Department by registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu are operating around the clock to communicate and coordinate with local officials in an effort to gather accurate information and assist U.S. citizens.