Israeli man goes missing after deadly Nepal-Tibet floods: what we know so far

An Israeli man in his 60s has gone missing after floods devastated the Nepal-Tibet border region, making communication impossible and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. He was part of a group that visited Mount Kailash in Tibet, where annual Buddhist ceremonies take place. Travel to the area in this season is uncommon for Israelis.

Around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, he reached the border crossing between Tibet and Nepal and crossed with roughly 70 foreign tourists. Shortly after, a massive water surge destroyed the crossing. Since then, there has been no contact with him or the other members of the group, and it's unclear if they are on the Tibetan or Nepalese side.

Communications in the area have been disrupted, making it uncertain if he is safe but unable to contact relatives. The group was supposed to reach Kathmandu but never did. About five other Israeli backpackers are also currently unreachable, though their cases aren't directly linked to the floods. Areas near Langtang trekking are also considered out of contact, though they're likely safe.

Extreme weather has caused floods and landslides across Nepal and along the Tibet border, damaging infrastructure and blocking roads, making some areas inaccessible. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has advised Israelis in Nepal to avoid flooded areas and stay in touch with family. They're also closely monitoring weather updates and avoiding travel on potentially unstable roads.

Israeli diplomats are working to locate the missing man, with the consulate in Beijing and the department for Israelis in distress collaborating with his family. Over 150 people have died in Nepal, and hundreds remain missing. Over 300 foreign tourists are also unaccounted for. China, which controls Tibet, has reported three confirmed deaths and hundreds missing, fearing significant damage.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar showed solidarity with Nepal and sent condolences to the families of the deceased. Chabad emissary Rabbi Chezki Lifshitz described the destruction as possibly the worst in Nepal's history, with reports of 1,000 to 10,000 deaths. The river took everything, including homes. The area is currently cut off.