At least 90 Americans missing in Nepal flood among 2,000 unaccounted for

A catastrophic flash flood that swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday has left at least 90 Americans missing, part of a broader group of nearly 2,000 individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown. The disaster has claimed over 600 lives, with authorities anticipating the death toll will continue to climb as rescue and recovery efforts progress.

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We can confirm that three American citizens have been safely rescued in Nepal. We are not aware of any US citizen deaths at this time.

Survivors, victims, and the missing hail from numerous nationalities, underscoring the international impact of the flood. Among those unaccounted for are many Americans who were undertaking a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a revered sacred site in Tibet known to Hindus, Buddhists, and other faiths.

The Isha Foundation, an India-based spiritual organization with a US campus in Tennessee, confirmed that 22 Americans were part of a group of 80 foundation members who have not yet been located. The foundation's US campus liaison described the trekkers as "like family" and noted that visiting Nepal was a "lifelong dream" for many.

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We had communication with the coordinator of the group at about 9.05am Nepalese time [Wednesday] saying that they had arrived there. And then by 9.14am is when this flash flood hit.

Personal stories are emerging, such as that of Venus Rajnikant Patel, 45, from Ohio, who had planned the pilgrimage for two years. His friend expressed hope for his survival but acknowledged the grim reality. Similarly, the family of Jitendra Patel, 72, from New York, is anxiously awaiting news after he informed them he had crossed into Tibet shortly before the flood hit the area where his hotel was located.

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We had communication with the coordinator of the group at about 9.05am Nepalese time [Wednesday] saying that they had arrived there. And then by 9.14am is when this flash flood hit.

Other missing individuals include Rekha Shashidharan and her 14-year-old daughter Rashi, also from New York, who were on the same pilgrimage. They were last heard from before planning to cross into Tibet. The situation remains fluid, with families desperately trying to reach their loved ones amidst the ongoing disaster.

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We had communication with the coordinator of the group at about 9.05am Nepalese time [Wednesday] saying that they had arrived there. And then by 9.14am is when this flash flood hit.