Foreign minister baffled as another Latvian tourist group arrives in Kathmandu amid Nepal flood disaster
As Nepal continues search efforts after devastating floods and Latvian officials still have no news of missing Latvian nationals, another group of Latvian tourists has arrived in Kathmandu, sparking public and ministerial reaction.
A Facebook post by traveler Andris Balodis has sparked wide discussion in Latvia. Balodis announced that he and his tour group had arrived in Kathmandu and plan to continue on to Tibet, including a short trek along the way.
Background of the disaster
On August 26, floods triggered by a collapse of glacier, rock and ice masses struck the Nepal-China border region. The death toll in Nepal and Tibet has exceeded 1,300, with thousands still considered missing, including several Latvian nationals.
In his post, Balodis described the atmosphere in Kathmandu, meeting local friends, and preparations for continuing the trip, while also mentioning the disaster's victims and rescue efforts — noting that monks were praying for those affected by the floods and landslides, and that local rescuers had managed to find several people caught in the disaster.
Mixed reactions
The post drew both support and sharp criticism online. Some commenters questioned the decision to travel to the region so soon after the tragedy, raising concerns about respect for the victims and possible risks. Others argued that everyone has the right to decide for themselves how to travel and live.
Minister's response
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže shared the post on her own Facebook profile, expressing bewilderment and addressing Balodis, Juris Ulmanis, the "Virsotne" store and other group members directly. She said she hoped the group had registered with the Consular Register and familiarized themselves with the ministry's travel warning for Nepal and Tibet. Braže noted that the state cannot forbid people from traveling, but said the information currently available does not suggest the warnings were taken seriously enough. She also reminded the public of the burden the disaster response has placed on Latvia's consular service.
The foreign ministry's travel warning states that the August 26 floods caused significant damage to infrastructure in the Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area, and that the situation could change rapidly.
