Nepal Flood Toll Rises to 903; 80 Americans Still Missing

Eighty Americans remain unaccounted for after a deadly Himalayan flood hit last Wednesday, according to the State Department. That number is down from an earlier estimate of at least 90 missing near the Nepal-China border. A spokesperson told Fox News that thirteen American citizens have made their way to safety in Nepal. Meanwhile, the death toll in Nepal has climbed to 903, while nearly double the number of people are still unaccounted for, roughly 4,200, local officials said Sunday.

The disaster struck north-central Nepal when a distant slope failure involving a glacier triggered a fast-moving debris flow that traveled about 62 miles before hitting populated areas. Footage showed a massive surge of water and debris rushing through valleys and swallowing buildings in its path. On Sunday, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided an update on the toll. "So far, 903 bodies have been recovered from the areas and about 4200 people are still unaccounted for," the spokesperson said. "Over 10,000 people have been rescued from the regions, including over 323 foreign nationals." About 590 foreign nationals remain missing, representing 39 countries.

Twenty-two of those missing Americans were part of a pilgrimage tied to a Tennessee-based nonprofit group. Jyoti Jankowski, a coordination leader for the Isha Foundation, told Fox News Saturday that they were inside an immigration building when the flooding struck. Authorities say Nepal is working with neighbors and the international community to deliver relief. Supplies have already arrived from India and China. More aid is expected from the U.S., United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, Qatar, the U.K., Australia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other international organizations. "Relief and humanitarian assistance are being provided in the affected areas," the spokesperson added. "We are deeply grateful to our friends and partners for their solidarity, goodwill and generous offers of support at this difficult time."

The State Department said last Wednesday it was monitoring the situation and sending a disaster response advisor to help with efforts. The department will also provide $500,000 in assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services. That money supports emergency shelter, relief items, and water, sanitation, and hygiene aid for flood-hit communities. U.S. Geological Survey investigators remain unsure whether the initial event was a landslide that included part of a glacier or a glacial collapse where a portion of ice breaks off and moves downslope with debris. The glacier-related event produced a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. A second seismic event occurred about three hours later, equivalent to a magnitude 4.2 quake. "The glacial debris contained water and ice that rapidly melted," the agency said. It picked up more material and water as it flowed through existing streams and rivers, creating a fast-moving, far-traveled landslide and flood loaded with boulders and rubble.

The scale of the tragedy raises urgent questions about how vulnerable mountain communities face such sudden forces. Thousands are displaced, and the search for missing persons continues in hazardous conditions. Aid is pouring in, but logistics remain tough as debris blocks roads and damages infrastructure. The risk to nearby populations remains high if secondary slides or flooding occur downstream. International cooperation offers hope, yet local needs far outstrip current resources. How quickly relief can reach those trapped will define the outcome for many families.