Catastrophic flash floods have recently struck a border area between China and Nepal, resulting in at least 353 confirmed deaths and leaving over 1,300 people missing. The incident, which occurred in a region known for trekking, guided tours, and pilgrimages to sacred Hindu sites, has primarily affected foreign visitors.
The reported number of missing individuals may differ among various agencies due to inconsistencies in data collection, the timing of reports, and verification processes. Additionally, there are coordination challenges between organizations compiling data and those engaged in rescue operations in the impacted area.
Nepal
Nepal police have officially confirmed 353 fatalities and 826 individuals reported missing. According to local outlets citing the National Emergency Operation Center, as of Thursday, those unaccounted for include 113 Nepali tourists, 85 security personnel comprising army and police forces, as well as 161 residents from Rasuwa district. Furthermore, one individual from Nuwakot district is also missing. The National Tourism Board subsequently announced that 517 foreign nationals are currently untraceable.
China
In Gyirong County, Tibet, state media reported three deaths and 558 missing individuals. The Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV, revealed that among the missing, 260 are foreigners. Moreover, nearly 100 Chinese citizens are reportedly missing on the Nepal side, as per statements from China’s foreign ministry.
India
India’s External Affairs Ministry has confirmed that 288 Indian nationals are uncontactable. This group includes 73 individuals involved in a power project. Reports from Nepal indicate that numerous Indian tourists were visiting Mount Kailash in Tibet, a renowned pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
United States
The Nepal tourism authority indicated that 65 missing persons are from the United States.
Malaysia
A total of 51 individuals from Malaysia have been reported missing, according to the tourism board.
Ukraine
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has stated that 55 Ukrainians are unaccounted for, which comprises two groups of tourists numbering 47 and seven, along with one Ukrainian woman traveling in a foreign tour group.
Australia
As per the tourism board, 35 Australians are reported missing.
Britain
Among the missing, 33 individuals are from Britain, as reported by the board.
Canada
The tourism board of Nepal has identified 25 missing Canadian citizens.
South Korea
Officials from South Korea have confirmed that nine of their citizens, engaged in the construction of a hydropower plant in Nepal, are currently missing.
Singapore
Eight individuals from Singapore are reported missing, according to the Nepal tourism board.
Germany
The tourism board has also reported that eight tourists from Germany are unaccounted for.
Russia
The Russian Embassy in Nepal disclosed that eight of its citizens are missing.
South Africa
Additionally, six South Africans are reported missing as per the tourism board.
Latvia
Six tourists from Latvia are among the missing, as noted by the board.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed concern regarding five missing Japanese nationals, according to local media reports.
New Zealand
Five individuals from New Zealand are reported missing, as stated by Nepal's tourism board.
France
The board has indicated that four French citizens are currently unaccounted for.
Belgium
According to the board, three Belgian nationals are missing.
Spain
The board has reported that three visitors from Spain are also missing.
Others
In addition to the aforementioned cases, two individuals each from Italy, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands are missing. Furthermore, there are an additional ten individuals - one each from Belarus, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Serbia, and Sweden who are unaccounted for.
