At Least 63 Americans Missing In Nepal-Tibet Floods

For American families awaiting information, the U.S. government has begun mobilizing resources as officials attempt to determine the whereabouts and condition of citizens who may have been caught in the flooding.

“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 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 American solidarity with Nepal and said the United States stood ready to assist the country’s government with humanitarian needs as the full scale of the catastrophe emerged.

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal said it was “working to account for U.S. citizens who may have been affected” and urged Americans in the disaster zone who were able to communicate to contact their families, hotels, guides, trekking companies or tour operators as quickly as possible.

Communications remain severely disrupted in portions of the region, creating the possibility that some people currently classified as missing or out of contact could ultimately be found alive once cellphone networks and transportation links are restored.