18 Americans Safe After Nepal Floods, About 70 Still Missing

Washington — Eighteen Americans reported missing after catastrophic floods in Nepal have reached safety, while about 70 remain unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region, the US State Department said Tuesday.

The updated figures were provided as of 7 a.m. Eastern Time on September 8, according to a State Department spokesperson.

The department said it remains in close contact with the families of Americans still missing and is committed to providing regular updates as more information becomes available.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by the flooding in Nepal, and their families, and we reaffirm our enduring friendship with the Nepali people,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department warned Americans outside the affected region against traveling there for any reason, citing continued risks from flash floods and landslides.

The update came after Indian-American Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam joined 27 members of Congress in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen the US response.

The lawmakers asked the State Department to deploy specialized disaster teams and advanced surveillance assets to help locate thousands of people reported missing after the floods.

“We write to urge the State Department to use every available resource to support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal and to ensure the safety and recovery of American citizens and others affected by this disaster,” the lawmakers said in a September 4 letter.

The disaster followed an August 26 glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas. Water, mud and debris swept through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors, devastating communities in Nepal and Gyirong County.

The lawmakers said the floods destroyed roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure. They cited reports that the death toll had surpassed 1,300 and that at least 4,000 people remained missing.

They welcomed $500,000 in State Department assistance through Catholic Relief Services for emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance. They also acknowledged $3.6 million in US humanitarian aid announced on August 29.

“Nonetheless, given the unprecedented loss of life and countless missing persons, we urge the Department to do much more,” they said.

The lawmakers called for daily updates to families of missing people and to Congress, as well as adequate staffing for consular hotlines and assistance with the repatriation of US citizens and their families.

They also urged the immediate deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART, to support search operations, rescue work, logistics and medical services.

“The scale of the catastrophe requires DART deployment as soon as possible,” the letter said.

The lawmakers asked the department to coordinate with other US agencies and private companies to deploy high-altitude assets and thermal or infrared drones. They also proposed using geospatial and aerial imagery, commercial satellite information and phone location data to help trace missing people.

They urged diplomatic coordination with Nepal, China, donor countries and international organizations to secure access to search areas.

Americans seeking information about relatives can call the State Department toll-free from the US and Canada at 1-888-407-4747. Those calling from other locations can use 1-202-501-4444.

The US Embassy in Beijing can be reached at 010-8531-4000 from China or 011-86-10-8531-4000 from the United States.

India has sent temporary shelters, blankets, medicines and other emergency supplies. Britain, South Korea, China, the United Nations, the World Bank and non-governmental organizations have also announced assistance.

The Indo-American Arts Council said part of the proceeds from every ticket sold for its Erasing Borders Dance Festival at Kaye Playhouse in New York on September 19 and 20 would go to the Nepalese government’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. (Source: IANS)