Nepal-Tibet flash flood: US pledges $500,000 aid; 63 US citizens missing

THE US government has expressed condolences over the deadly floods that caused massive damage to life and property in Nepal and Tibet. Following a glacial collapse, torrents of water and debris surged downstream on both sides of the Himalayas. The United States has pledged $500,000 in emergency assistance, the State Department said.

Announcing the deployment of a disaster-response advisor to the region, the State Department added: “The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” AFP reported.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his support for the rescue and relief measures. In a post on X, he said, “We express our solidarity and are united in prayer for the Nepali people following the devastating floods.”

Amid the concerning situation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that UN teams and partners were mobilising supplies and personnel in Nepal to support communities affected by the disaster. A US State Department spokesperson said, "The State Department is aware of Americans impacted by the floods in Nepal and is closely tracking the situation."

On Wednesday, a tsunami-like rumble of water and mud struck villages and towns on the path of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, leaving at least 162 dead, Nepal police said.

Nepal's tourism ministry data suggested that over 400 tourists are missing, among whom around 340 are foreigners.

According to Chinese state media, 558 people are missing across the border, of whom 260 are foreigners. Around three people lost their lives in the "mudslide disaster" at the Gyirong Port in Tibet, China said.

As per a Reuters report, nearly 1,500 people are missing, and at least 165 were confirmed dead in the tragedy. Among the 826 missing people reported in Nepal, 500 are foreigners. Search-and-rescue operations are underway as authorities provide emergency supplies to thousands cut off.

Helicopters are being used to search for survivors and transport them to relief camps. The surge of muddy water swept away homes, roads and power projects. The rugged Himalayan terrain, thronged by trekkers and pilgrims travelling between Lhasa in Tibet and Kathmandu, saw heavy casualties.

According to Nepal police and tourism officials, tourists from more than two dozen countries are missing, including 177 from India, 63 from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain and 25 from Canada.