53 Ukrainian Nationals Missing in Nepal Flash Flood That Killed At Least 160

Fifty-three Ukrainian nationals remain missing after a devastating flash flood in Nepal, near the border with Tibet, that has claimed at least 160 lives. The exact number of fatalities is anticipated to surge as rescue operations persist. The group of missing Ukrainian individuals comprises 46 Ukrainian tourists who lost contact earlier in the day, according to Interfax-Ukraine, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, August 26. Our ongoing coverage of the war can be followed on the @Kyivpost_official.

David Fisher, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Nepal, stated, "Entire villages and market areas have been wiped out," as reported by AFP.

Ukraine's embassies in India and China are collaborating with local authorities, including Nepal's Tourist Police, to determine the whereabouts of the Ukrainians. In China, three individuals have reportedly perished, while 265 are still missing, as per Chinese state media. Nepalese police have recovered 157 bodies, and CNN World reports that over 150 people are confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise further. At least 47 Americans are among those missing.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha directed Ukraine's embassies in India and China to utilize available personal information to contact the missing citizens and undertake additional necessary measures. According to Interfax-Ukraine, the ministry's hotline has received eight appeals from relatives who have lost contact with individuals on the missing-persons list. Ukraine's honorary consul in Nepal has also joined the ground response.

A landslide blocked the Bhote Koshi river, triggering the flash flood that originated in China and flowed into Nepal, causing extensive damage to nearby villages and settlements, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. While it may take weeks to ascertain the precise cause of the flooding, an international team of scientists believes that a section of a glacier may have detached and plunged into the valley below, setting off a landslide.

The area affected is situated along a popular route to Kailash Mansarovar, a place frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims, particularly during this season. It is also a favored spot for hiking and tourism.

Tibetan government officials deployed nearly 800 emergency workers and 150 vehicles to aid in the rescue efforts, while around 403 tourists – 341 of them foreigners – were unaccounted for hours after the disaster struck, as reported by AFP citing Nepal’s tourism ministry. The missing foreigners comprised 142 Indians, along with citizens from Portugal, the Netherlands, Australia, Britain, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and the US.