Approximately 70 American citizens remain unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region following catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by a glacier collapse last month, the State Department announced Tuesday. Of the Americans who were in the affected area, 18 have been confirmed safe.
The State Department has expressed its deepest sympathies to those affected and reaffirmed its friendship with the Nepali people. Officials stated they are in close contact with the families of the unaccounted individuals and are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.
Authorities have cautioned Americans against traveling to the disaster zone due to the ongoing risk of flash floods and landslides. The number of Americans unaccounted for was previously reported as 75, with 16 confirmed safe.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Nepalese authorities are focusing search operations on three hydropower project tunnels where dozens of workers are believed to be trapped beneath debris. Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of Nepal's disaster authority, told Reuters that the Chilime hydroelectric project is a particular focus, as a canteen and living quarters were located there.
The disaster, which occurred on August 26, has resulted in at least 1,399 deaths across Nepal and China's Tibet region, with over 5,400 people still reported missing. Both governments have attributed the glacier collapse and subsequent flooding to climate change.
