Four Spaniards among 1,500 missing after Nepal-Tibet floods leave at least 270 dead

At least four Spanish nationals are among the 1,500 people currently missing after severe flash floods ravaged parts of Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday, causing at least 270 fatalities and leaving thousands stranded. Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed the absence of any Spanish fatalities among those unaccounted for.

The disaster struck the mountainous border region between northern Nepal and Chinese-controlled Tibet, devastating settlements and disrupting roads and bridges. Approximately 30 people have been injured, and around 1,500 individuals remain missing, including many foreign tourists and pilgrims from various countries. Nepalese authorities report 579 travelers missing, including 466 foreigners and 113 Nepalese citizens.

Rescue teams have recovered 177 bodies, while 33 injured individuals are receiving medical attention. Over 3,300 officers have been deployed to the affected areas, which are currently inaccessible due to destroyed infrastructure and ongoing rain. The region is a major route used by mountaineers and pilgrims traveling to sacred sites in Tibet, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

While three deaths have been confirmed in Tibet, Nepalese authorities estimate that around 35 road bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and 40 kilometers of paved roads have been destroyed or damaged. The United Nations has pledged to send personnel and emergency supplies, and the Dalai Lama has expressed condolences and called for preventive measures to avoid future disasters.