U.S. officials reported Thursday that about 90 American citizens are still missing following catastrophic flash floods that swept through a border area of China and Nepal, killing hundreds.
The U.S. State Department stated it is not aware of any U.S. fatalities but confirmed that three Americans have been rescued. Many of the missing were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a revered site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Social media has seen pleas from relatives seeking updates on lost loved ones, including a woman from Virginia on a tour group and a couple from Texas who were on a birthday trip. Among those unaccounted for is Venus Rajnikant Patel, a 45-year-old U.S. citizen born in India, who had recently relocated to Cincinnati. His friend, Jolene Gosha, expressed devastation, noting Patel was staying at a hotel in the affected area.
More than 160 people have died and hundreds remain missing in northern Nepal due to massive flash floods and mudslides, which authorities believe were triggered by a suspected avalanche.
Indian spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, reported that 77 individuals returning from Mount Kailash with groups organized by his Isha Foundation were at a Tibetan immigration center when the floods hit. The foundation informed ABC News that 22 of these individuals were Americans.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation Thursday, stating that U.S. officials have been in contact with Nepalese leaders and have offered assistance. Trump mentioned that between 50 and 60 Americans were believed to be in the area, but a definitive count is still pending.