56 Ukrainians unaccounted for after Nepal floods, search operations continue

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that contact has been lost with 56 Ukrainian citizens following a massive flood that struck the border area between Nepal and Tibet on August 26. The ministry stressed that, according to verified information, none of these individuals currently appear on lists of people injured or killed in the disaster.

According to ministry comments given to journalists, as of 22:30 Kyiv time, search operations were continuing. A task force from the Ukrainian embassy in India is present at the site of the disaster and Ukrainian consuls are maintaining direct contact with local authorities coordinating rescue operations, aiming to locate and evacuate the missing Ukrainians. The ministry noted that the number of unaccounted-for citizens had barely changed over the day, with one additional woman added to the list — a member of a foreign tourist group.

Nepal's army and police are continuing search-and-rescue operations, with around fifteen helicopters deployed. Ukraine is also coordinating its search and evacuation efforts with other foreign countries.

Background

The flood struck the Rasuwa district north of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on the morning of August 26. Torrents of water and mud swept away houses, roads and bridges, and damaged power infrastructure. Preliminary findings indicate the disaster was triggered by an ice and rock collapse from a glacier, which blocked the Lhende Khola river. The blockage then gave way, sending a powerful surge of water, mud and debris downstream.

Transport links in some areas have been disrupted, complicating rescue efforts, while electricity and communications have also been cut in the region. Local authorities have warned of the possibility of further floods and landslides.