Foreigners among 400 missing in Nepal after landslides and floods

A devastating landslide and subsequent floods in Nepal's north-central mountainous region have left an estimated 400 people missing, with officials reporting that around 340 of them are foreign nationals. The disaster struck an area known for its trekking routes and religious significance, making it a popular destination for international tourists and pilgrims.

Nepalese tourism officials confirmed the high number of foreign nationals among the missing. The affected individuals hail from various countries, including South Korea, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The scale of foreign casualties is particularly notable given the region's accessibility from Kathmandu and its status as a key Himalayan trekking destination.

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Around 340 of the 400 tourists missing in Nepal are foreigners.

The area, particularly the Rasuwa district, serves as a crucial gateway for pilgrims traveling from Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. Reports indicate that around 390 pilgrims were expected to cross the border from Rasuwa Gadhi to China's Tibet Autonomous Region on August 26. Travel agencies have reported being unable to contact many of these pilgrims, raising concerns about their safety.

The region is renowned for its trekking trails, including the Langtang Valley, which is considered one of Nepal's premier trekking areas alongside Everest and Annapurna. Its popularity among foreigners is partly due to the ability to acclimatize gradually by road from Kathmandu, avoiding the need for domestic flights. The area also hosts trekking routes to sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, such as the Gosaikunda lakes at over 4,000 meters.

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We have not been able to contact the pilgrims except for a few.