Fate of 33 Latvian tourists in Nepal still unknown after devastating floods
After devastating floods in Nepal, the fate of 33 Latvian nationals remains unknown, with six already listed as officially missing. Families in Latvia have been given access to photos of unidentified victims as well as psychological support.
Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the fate of 33 Latvian nationals remains unknown following the flood disaster in Nepal. Relatives of 28 of them have already contacted the Consular Department, reporting that they have been unable to reach these people since the floods began.
Edīte Medne, director of the ministry's Consular Department, says the situation is complicated by the fact that none of the affected tour groups had registered with the Consular Register. Only one individual traveler had registered there, and that person has since been located safe.
Nepal's Tourism Department has so far published information on six Latvian citizens considered missing. Their families have already been notified, and the list may be updated soon. One person was removed from the list of those being sought after failing to cross the border into China — she is safe in Kathmandu.
A difficult process
Medne says the Consular Department sent relatives the latest information on August 27. Families in Latvia have also been given access to Nepal's official list, which includes information on both survivors and casualties, as well as photos of unidentified victims for possible identification. The ministry says the process is very difficult, but sharing this information may speed up results. Families also have access to psychological support from the crisis center "Skalbes."
Devastation across the region
The death toll from flash floods triggered by a glacier collapse in Nepal and along its border with Tibet has passed 550 and continues to rise as rescuers reach previously inaccessible areas. Nepal's police reported at least 547 deaths on Friday, while Chinese authorities confirmed at least five more deaths in Tibet. Indian authorities have recovered seven more bodies from a river flowing from Nepal, which were not initially included in the overall death toll.
More than 1,400 people, including hundreds of foreign tourists, are still considered missing. Nepalese authorities' initial list included 977 missing persons, though officials warn the true number could be significantly higher.
