Nepali government officials confirmed on Tuesday that they have contacted one U.S. national who was previously unaccounted for following flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. While contact was established, authorities did not disclose the person's identity, specific location, or medical condition. About 85 other Americans remained on the list of missing persons.
The flooding began last week after a mountainside and glacier collapse in the Himalayas triggered avalanches that subsequently caused the surge of water. Local residents, including 22-year-old Rohit Tamang, reported that the Trishuli River reached unprecedented levels during the event last Wednesday.
As of Tuesday, the confirmed death toll in Nepal stood at 1,050, with more than 4,600 people still missing. In Tibet, Chinese authorities confirmed 16 deaths and reported that more than 550 people remained missing. Among those unaccounted for in Nepal are approximately 600 hydroelectric power plant workers believed to be trapped inside tunnels. Rescue teams are working to clear mud from these sites amid concerns regarding the oxygen supply for those underground.
Nepal's foreign minister stated that authorities believe some foreign hikers may be safe but are currently marooned without communications due to the terrain. Search and recovery teams continue to find remains in riverbeds far downstream from the initial collapse.