In Kathmandu, Nepal, a young boy aids a woman in placing a photograph of her missing relative on a wall outside a government hospital. This wall displays images of others missing and deceased after recent catastrophic floods.
The floods, caused by nearly 30-foot high waves of water, threaten towns along the Nepal-China border with mudslides. Currently, the search continues for over 2,400 missing persons, including dozens of U.S. citizens. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that, four days after the flood, 734 bodies were recovered.
The Red Cross estimates that over 90,000 individuals have been affected by the flooding in the region. Nepal’s government has mobilized thousands of rescue workers, with some individuals still being found alive over the weekend.
As of Sunday morning, 85 Americans remain unaccounted for, according to U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. He informed ABC News that nine Americans have been safely evacuated, and there are no reported American fatalities at present. Missing Americans include tourists, hikers, and individuals on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet.
“Among those missing is Ragu Rajan, along with his wife, Archana Suresh, from Murphy, Texas. They began their journey on August 25 and were crossing the border when the flood struck, last seen near Gyirong Port,” said Divya Chandrashekar to NPR.
Shreya Ahuja, residing in North Carolina, spoke to NPR about her parents, Deepak and Madhu Ahuja, who were caught near the flood zone after celebrating her father’s birthday. She expressed initial calm, not anticipating they would be in the affected location.
Drone footage shows rescue workers examining damage along the Trishuli River in Nuwakot district. The U.S. State Department has boosted assistance to embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu, authorizing $3.6 million for emergency aid. This aid includes food relief for up to 10,000 households over three months.
Catholic Relief Services has commenced distributing the initial half million dollars of this aid package, according to Senthil Kumar Gurunathan. He highlighted the challenges posed by blocked roads from mudslides. There is a vital need for food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and mental health support.
The arrival of U.S. aid in Rasuwa and Nuwakot included blankets, mosquito nets, foam sheets for shelters, and food supplies. Authorities warn of potential further flooding due to monsoon rains expected until September 1. Forecasts suggest such weather might exacerbate the region’s flooding conditions, affecting roads, flights, and rescue operations.