Nepal Flash Floods: Nearly 600 Foreign Tourists Missing Across More Than 30 Countries

Nearly 600 foreign nationals are missing after deadly floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border region. Nepal’s Tourism Board said the flooding began on the morning of August 26, when water, mud, and debris entered Nepal from Tibet through the Bhote Koshi River.

The disaster affected communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, north of Kathmandu. Authorities said around 465 bodies had been recovered as of a Nepal police update Friday morning.

Nepal’s foreign ministry said 596 foreign nationals were missing, with people from more than 30 countries affected. The missing include Americans, Canadians, travelers from the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and Ukraine, and 167 foreign nationals from neighboring India.

Nepal’s disaster management authority said 27 foreign tourists had been rescued from Rasuwa by Thursday afternoon. Two army helicopters were deployed to support rescue efforts.

The US State Department said it was deploying a disaster response adviser and providing $500,000 through Catholic Relief Services for shelter, supplies, clean water, and sanitation. It also said the US Embassy in Kathmandu was working with local authorities to locate and assist Americans.

Global Affairs Canada said it was aware Canadians had been affected and was ready to provide consular assistance. It also said power outages were making communications difficult.

The Tourism Board said other parts of Nepal were unaffected, but it advised travelers to avoid rivers, bridges, and damaged roads. Travelers were also told to postpone trips to flood-hit areas until officials say conditions are safe.

The cause of the glacier collapse that contributed to the debris flow is still being investigated. The US Geological Survey initially recorded an earthquake signal, then updated its event page to say no earthquake occurred and that the signal came from a glacier collapse and debris flow.