Ukraine says search operations ongoing, 56 Ukrainians remain out of contact after Nepal floods
Contact has been lost with 56 Ukrainians following major flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border on 26 August, while none are currently listed among those injured or killed.
Source: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in a comment to journalists
Quote: "As of 22:30 Kyiv time, search operations are ongoing. The Ukrainian Embassy in India has an operational team at the site in the disaster-affected area.
Ukrainian consuls are in direct contact with local authorities coordinating rescue operations to search for and evacuate Ukrainians with whom contact has been lost.
Their number has remained virtually unchanged today, with one more Ukrainian national added who was part of a foreign tourist group."
Details: A total of 56 Ukrainians remain out of contact.
Meanwhile, according to verified information available to the Foreign Ministry, no Ukrainians are currently listed among those injured or killed as a result of the disaster.
The Nepalese Army and police continue search-and-rescue operations, with around 15 helicopters involved.
Ukraine is also coordinating efforts to locate and evacuate its citizens with other foreign countries.
Background:
- On the morning of 26 August, flooding hit the Rasuwa district, north of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Torrents of water and mud swept away houses, roads and bridges and damaged energy infrastructure.
- Early findings indicate that the disaster was caused by an avalanche of ice and rock from a glacier. The debris blocked the Lhende Khola River, sending a powerful surge of water, mud and debris downstream. Transport links have been disrupted in some areas, hampering search and rescue operations.
- Road connections, communications and electricity supplies have been disrupted in the area.
- On the morning of 27 August, it was reported that 55 Ukrainians were considered missing following the major flooding in Nepal and Tibet. Local authorities warned of possible further floods and landslides.
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