The United States has pledged $500,000 in emergency assistance to Nepal as rescue teams continue searching for hundreds of people missing after devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border.
The disaster has claimed at least 160 lives.
The US State Department announced early Thursday that Washington would also deploy a disaster response adviser to the affected region to assist with relief efforts.
“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” the agency said, adding that Washington is deploying a disaster response advisor to the region while pledging to provide $500,000 to support rescue efforts, AFP reported.
In a message on X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio added his support, saying, “We express our solidarity and are united in prayer for the Nepali people following the devastating floods.”
Nepali authorities have recovered 157 bodies, while Chinese officials reported three deaths after a mudslide struck a border hub in Tibet. The combined death toll stands at 160, although authorities have warned that the figure could increase as rescue operations reach areas isolated by floodwaters and debris.
Hundreds of tourists also remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
142 Indians Among Missing Foreigners
More than 400 tourists are still missing following the disaster in Nepal, including around 341 foreigners, officials at the country’s Tourism Ministry told media outlets.
Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for the Nepal Tourism Board, told the Associated Press that 133 missing tourists were Indian nationals, with many reportedly being pilgrims.
Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru said 77 members of the organisation who were at an immigration centre had not yet been accounted for. According to him, 495 members had safely returned.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh are among the Indian states that have established helplines for affected residents and their families. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also released emergency contact numbers and is working with Nepalese authorities on rescue and relief operations.
PM Modi Speaks With Balen Shah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Nepal PM Balendra Shah and assured him that India would provide all possible humanitarian assistance. India has also dispatched an initial tranche of relief supplies to Nepal.
Shah subsequently thanked PM Modi for his “warm words of solidarity” and offer of assistance, saying Nepal “profoundly value[s]” the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, China has intensified its rescue efforts. President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to make an all-out effort to locate those still missing and evacuate people facing danger.
