Approximately 70 Americans Unaccounted for Following Flooding in Nepal

<p>The State Department stated on September 8, 2026, that it is aware of approximately 70 Americans who remain unaccounted for in the Nepal-China border region following catastrophic flooding last month, while 18 Americans have reached safety.</p><p>A State Department official expressed sympathy for those affected by the flooding in Nepal and reaffirmed the United States' friendship with the Nepali people. The official indicated that the Department of State is in close contact with the families of the unaccounted Americans and is committed to providing regular updates as more information becomes available.</p><p>Officials have advised Americans not to travel to the disaster zone due to the risk of additional flash floods and landslides. The number of Americans unaccounted for has decreased from 75 to 70, while the number confirmed safe has increased from 16 to 18. No American deaths have been confirmed.</p><p>As search efforts continue, Nepalese authorities reported that rescuers are focusing on three hydropower project tunnels where they believe many workers may still be trapped under debris from the August 26 glacier collapse that triggered the flooding along the Nepal-China border, according to Reuters.</p><p>Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of Nepal's disaster authority, stated that the search operation is concentrated on finding survivors, particularly in tunnels, with a significant focus on the Chilime hydroelectric project, where there were facilities for food and residency.</p><p>The disaster has resulted in at least 1,399 fatalities across Nepal and China's Tibet region, with over 5,400 individuals still reported missing, according to authorities. Both governments have attributed the glacier collapse that caused the flooding to climate change.</p><p><i>Reuters contributed to this report.</i></p>