The catastrophic flood in the Himalayas last Wednesday left a devastating impact, with approximately 80 Americans still unaccounted for, according to the State Department. Initially, 90 Americans were reported missing near the Nepal-China border.
A State Department spokesperson shared positive news, stating, “We can confirm that 13 American citizens have reached safety in Nepal.” Meanwhile, Nepal’s death toll has escalated to 903, and around 4,200 individuals remain unaccounted for, as reported by local officials.
A drone view captures the mud-covered properties after a flash flood in the Trishuli area in Nuwakot district, Nepal, on August 26, 2026. (REUTERS/Stringer)
The disaster struck north-central Nepal when a glacier-triggered debris flow surged approximately 62 miles downstream, affecting populated areas. Disturbing footage showed water and debris engulfing buildings as it rushed through the valleys.
On Sunday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an update: “So far, 903 bodies have been recovered from affected areas, with roughly 4,200 individuals still missing. Over 10,000 have been rescued, including more than 323 foreign nationals. Currently, 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are yet to be found.”
The missing Americans include 22 individuals who were part of a pilgrimage with the Tennessee-based nonprofit Isha Foundation. They were inside an immigration building when the flood hit, shared Jyoti Jankowski, Isha Foundation coordination leader.
A drone view showing a man near damaged buildings covered in mud along the Likhu River after the devastating flash floods and mudslides in Devighat, Nuwakot district, Nepal, on August 30, 2026. (REUTERS)
Nepal is collaborating with neighboring countries and international communities for relief efforts. Supplies have arrived from India and China, and more are expected from other countries including the U.S., UAE, Myanmar, Qatar, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and international organizations.
The Ministry spokesperson expressed gratitude, saying, “Relief and humanitarian assistance are actively distributed in the affected areas. We deeply appreciate the solidarity and support provided by friends and partners during this challenging time.”
Rescue operations continue as the search for missing individuals persists.
Bank employees retrieve items near a bank shrouded in sludge following flash floods in Trishuli, Nepal’s Nuwakot district, on August 30, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)
The State Department responded by stating it is “monitoring the situation closely and deploying a disaster response advisor to support response efforts.” Additionally, the department announced a $500,000 assistance package through its global award with Catholic Relief Services to aid in emergency shelter, relief efforts, and water sanitation for flood-affected communities.
Uncertainty remains regarding whether the initial failure involved a landslide including a glacier or a glacial collapse. Investigations by the U.S. Geological Survey indicate the event led to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, followed by a second seismic event with magnitude 4.2.
The glacier-induced landslide combined melted water and ice, sweeping additional materials downstream, resulting in a fast-moving flood laden with boulders and debris.