Washington, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Eighteen Americans who were reported missing after devastating floods in Nepal have reached safety, while around 70 others remain unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region, the US State Department said on Tuesday.
The updated figures were provided as of 7 a.m. Eastern Time on September 8. A State Department spokesperson said the department remained in close contact with families of Americans still missing and would provide regular updates as more information became available.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The State Department also advised Americans outside the affected region not to travel there, warning that the area remained vulnerable to additional flash floods and landslides.
The update came after Indian-American Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Suhas Subramanyam joined 27 other members of Congress in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen the US response to the disaster.
In a September 4 letter, the lawmakers called for specialised disaster teams, advanced surveillance capabilities and greater coordination to locate missing people and assist affected Americans.
The August 26 disaster followed a glacial collapse and landslide in the Himalayas, sending water, mud and debris through the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river corridors and devastating communities in Nepal and Gyirong County.
The lawmakers said the floods destroyed roads, bridges, homes and other critical infrastructure. They cited reports of more than 1,300 deaths and at least 4,000 people still missing.
They welcomed $500,000 in US assistance through Catholic Relief Services for emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene support, as well as $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance announced on August 29. However, they called for a larger response, including immediate deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
The lawmakers also proposed using high-altitude assets, thermal and infrared drones, geospatial and aerial imagery, commercial satellite data and phone-location information to assist search operations.
They urged coordination with Nepal, China, donor countries and international organisations to ensure access to affected areas and obtain information about missing Americans.
Americans seeking information about relatives can contact the US State Department at 1-888-407-4747 from the US and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere.
India, Britain, South Korea, China, the United Nations, the World Bank and NGOs have also announced assistance for Nepal.
The Indo-American Arts Council has said part of the proceeds from tickets for its Erasing Borders Dance Festival in New York on September 19 and 20 will be donated to Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.
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