The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that approximately 70 Americans remain unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region following last month’s catastrophic flooding, while 18 have been confirmed safe. The department emphasized ongoing efforts to locate the missing individuals.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by the flooding in Nepal and their families, and we reaffirm our enduring friendship with the Nepali people,” a State Department official stated.
The department remains in close communication with the families of missing Americans and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Heavy machinery was seen clearing roads along the Trishuli River after deadly flash floods and mudslides struck Nuwakot district, Bagmati province, on September 8, 2026. (REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis)
Authorities continue to urge Americans not to travel to the disaster zone, citing ongoing risks of additional flash floods and landslides.
The latest update reduced the number of unaccounted Americans from 75 to 70, while the count of those confirmed safe increased from 16 to 18. No American fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
A flooded home in Nuwakot district, Nepal, was captured on September 8, 2026, following severe flooding and landslides. (REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis)
Nepalese authorities reported that rescue teams are prioritizing three hydropower project tunnels where dozens of workers may still be trapped beneath debris from an August 26 glacier collapse that triggered the floods along the Nepal-China border.
According to Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of Nepal’s disaster management agency, the search operation focuses on the Chilime hydroelectric project, which includes a canteen, residential facilities, and food arrangements for workers.
The disaster has resulted in at least 1,399 deaths across Nepal and China’s Tibet region, with over 5,400 individuals still missing, according to local authorities. Both governments have attributed the tragedy to climate change, which triggered the glacier collapse responsible for the flooding.
Reuters contributed to this report.