In one of the few encouraging developments, rescuers successfully evacuated 27 foreign tourists from the devastated Rasuwa district, including two Americans—a man and a woman reportedly in their 50s.
But the broader picture remains grim.
The disaster struck at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time Wednesday, when a massive surge of water, mud, rocks, and debris tore through northern Nepal near the Chinese border. Communities along the Trishuli River were hit with extraordinary force as homes, bridges, and roads were swept away or buried.
Early reports suggested that seismic activity may have played a role in triggering the catastrophe. Further analysis from the U.S. Geological Survey, however, indicated that the seismic signal was associated with a massive glacial collapse and debris flow rather than a traditional earthquake.
As authorities expanded their assessment of the affected region, the scale of the destruction became increasingly apparent. More than 350 people had reportedly been killed across the wider disaster area by Thursday, while over 1,000 others remained missing in Nepal and China.
The missing include local residents, security personnel, and large numbers of foreign tourists who had traveled to the Himalayan region before disaster struck.
According to the reported figures, those out of contact in Nepal included 177 Indian citizens, 63 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 34 Australians, 33 British nationals, and 25 Canadians. Smaller groups of tourists from Germany, Singapore, South Africa, and other countries were also reported missing or unreachable.
Across the border in Tibet, Chinese state media reported that another 558 people were missing in Gyirong County, including roughly 260 foreign nationals.
The enormous geographic scope of the disaster has made rescue operations exceptionally difficult.
Thousands of Nepalese soldiers and police officers have been sent into the region, while military helicopters repeatedly fly over the devastated mountain communities searching for survivors, transporting injured victims, and delivering emergency supplies.
Many roads have been destroyed, bridges have been washed away, and some communities can now be reached only by air.
The Nepali Army reported that its aircraft evacuated 125 people Thursday morning from the Timure and Mailung areas, including 20 foreign nationals.
For families in the United States desperately waiting for news, American officials have begun mobilizing resources to identify and assist citizens who may have been caught in the disaster.
“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. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The State Department also announced plans to send additional support to the region.
The State Department said it was “closely monitoring the situation and is deploying a disaster response adviser to the region to support response efforts. The Department will also provide $500,000 in assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services, supporting emergency shelter, relief items, and water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to flood-affected communities.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed support for Nepal as the humanitarian crisis continued to unfold, saying the United States was prepared to assist the country’s government with emergency needs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Nepal said it was “working to account for U.S. citizens who may have been affected” by the disaster.
Americans who are in the affected area and still able to communicate have been urged to contact family members, hotels, guides, trekking companies, or tour operators as soon as possible.
With cellphone service and transportation networks still severely disrupted, officials have cautioned that some individuals currently listed as missing may simply be unable to make contact.
One group caught in the chaos was reportedly connected to the India-based Isha Foundation. According to ABC News, 22 Americans were among a 77-person tour group near an immigration center close to the Nepal-Tibet border when the flooding began.
Three other Americans were reportedly traveling with Fishtail Tours and Travel and remained among those still unaccounted for.
Reports indicate that the catastrophe began approximately 12 miles northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, where a massive glacial collapse reportedly sent ice, rock, and debris crashing into the valley below.
The resulting surge then raced downstream toward populated communities.
Now, rescue crews are working against time in one of the world’s most difficult environments. Thick mud, unstable mountain slopes, powerful water flows, and destroyed transportation routes have turned the search into a dangerous and complex operation.
For the families of the 63 Americans still reported missing, however, the mission remains painfully simple: find their loved ones.
As helicopters continue flying over the devastated Himalayan landscape and rescue teams push deeper into previously unreachable territory, authorities are hoping that restored communications and expanded access will bring more survivors to light.
Until then, the disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border remains an unfolding international tragedy—with hundreds confirmed dead, more than a thousand people still missing across the broader region, and dozens of American families waiting for answers.
