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Dozens of foreign tourists among hundreds missing in Nepal flash floods

Authorities and foreign diplomats are working to locate hundreds of people unaccounted for after severe flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The short version

  • Deadly flash flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border destroyed homes and infrastructure, leaving over 400 people missing.
  • The Nepal Tourist Board reports 341 foreign nationals among the missing, including citizens from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
  • International embassies and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are working alongside local authorities to confirm the welfare of affected individuals.

Key facts

  • The Nepal Tourist Board reported that at least 403 people are missing following flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, consisting of 203 males and 200 females.[The Guardian]
  • Among the 341 missing foreign nationals are 47 people from the U.S., 34 from Australia, 33 from the U.K., and 24 from Canada.[The Guardian]
  • The floods severely damaged houses, roads, and bridges across affected areas, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.[The Guardian]
  • Embassies representing Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, and the U.K. issued a joint statement expressing solidarity and urging people in impacted areas to follow official safety guidance.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The exact casualty count and welfare status of those reported missing remain unverified as emergency teams liaise with tour operators and local officials.[The Guardian]

Sources