<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The State Department reported on August 28, 2026, that five Americans have been safely evacuated from Nepal following severe floods that affected the region near the Chinese border, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands reported missing.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Approximately 90 Americans are still unaccounted for, according to the State Department. Officials have stated that there are no confirmed deaths of U.S. citizens.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“As of 6 a.m. this morning, there are currently approximately 90 Americans that are unaccounted for,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott during an appearance on CNN News Central. “We are aware of five Americans that have been safely evacuated. That number is up from yesterday. And at this time, we are aware of no U.S. citizen deaths.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pigott added, “Of course, this catastrophe is beyond words. We are seeing those glimmers of hope in terms of the five Americans that have been safely evacuated. We are here to help every single American that we can. That is our dedication. That is our highest priority. That is our commitment.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The floods, which occurred on Wednesday, caused significant destruction, sweeping away individuals, vehicles, and buildings. The disaster is believed to have been exacerbated by melting glaciers and glacial activity in the region.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Local officials reported that the number of missing persons in Nepal has roughly doubled to about 1,900, with nearly 900 individuals working at hydropower projects reported missing. Rescue operations have faced challenges due to the threat of further flooding.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The floods have destroyed dozens of bridges and damaged more than 25 miles of roads, displacing approximately 1,200 individuals from surrounding villages.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">David Fisher, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Nepal delegation, emphasized the urgent need for clean water, as flooding increases the risk of waterborne diseases. “We can’t just constantly truck in water. It’s expensive and difficult. But it’s critical that people have safe water,” Fisher stated. “Floods like this often bring a waterborne disease. And that’s the last thing these people need.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fisher noted that relief efforts were temporarily halted on Friday due to a secondary flood, which prompted evacuation warnings for residents in low-lying areas. “It’s really added to the trauma,” he said. “When will people feel safe, and when can they start — restart their lives? And it’s up to us now to do whatever we can to move that along.”</p>