90 Americans missing near Nepal-China border

Washington, Aug 28 (IANS) The United States said on Friday that about 90 Americans were unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region after devastating floods cut off remote communities, while five US citizens had reached safety in Nepal.

No American deaths have been reported, a State Department spokesperson said.

“As of 6:00 am EST 8/28, the State Department is aware of approximately 90 Americans unaccounted for in the Nepal/China cross-border region,” the spokesperson said. “We can confirm that 5 American citizens have made their way to safety in Nepal. We are not aware of any U.S. citizen deaths at this time.”

The US embassies in Nepal and China are working with local authorities and tour operators to locate and assist Americans in the affected areas.

Nepal-led search and rescue operations were continuing, the spokesperson said, extending condolences to the victims and their families.

“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department has increased consular staffing at the US Embassy in Kathmandu. Officials are providing round-the-clock support and responding to enquiries 24 hours a day.

The department is closely monitoring developments and has sent disaster response advisers to the region to support relief efforts.

Washington is also providing $500,000 in assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services. The funds will support emergency shelter, relief supplies, food, water, sanitation and hygiene assistance for flood-affected communities in Nepal.

The United States has offered search and rescue assistance to Nepal.

“We stand ready to support search and rescue efforts in coordination with the Government of Nepal, should such assistance be requested,” the spokesperson said.

US citizens in affected areas have been advised to monitor local news, follow emergency instructions issued by local authorities and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive emergency information.

Americans travelling through Rasuwa or other affected parts of Nepal have been asked to email the US Embassy in Kathmandu. They should provide their full name, present location and status, as well as the name of their tour or trekking company.

Those in Gyirong County, Gyirong Port or other affected areas in China have been advised to contact the US Embassy in Beijing when it is safe to do so. They should provide their name, location and status.

The State Department also released emergency telephone numbers for people seeking information about family members. Those concerned about Americans in Nepal may call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other locations.

People seeking information about relatives in China may call 010-8531 4000 from within China or 011-86-10-8531 4000 from the United States. Operators will pass the information to the US embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu for follow-up.

Officials cautioned that confirming individual cases could take time because of the difficult conditions.

“Obtaining reliable information, especially about individual cases, is a priority, and efforts are ongoing; however, the remoteness and limited accessibility of the devastated region and other factors may affect how quickly information can be confirmed and shared,” the spokesperson said.

Rasuwa is a mountainous district north of Kathmandu along Nepal’s border with China. Its difficult terrain and limited road access can complicate rescue operations after floods and landslides.

Gyirong, located on the Chinese side of the border, is an important land crossing between Nepal and China. The border region includes remote mountain routes used by residents, traders, tourists and trekking groups.

–IANS

lkj/dan