At least eight Russians are missing in Nepal after a catastrophic and deadly torrent of floods and mud swept through the border region with China, Russia’s Embassy in Kathmandu said Thursday.
In a statement, the embassy said it is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to establish the location of the missing Russians as search operations continue across the devastated valley.
Two Russian women survived the disaster by escaping up a mountain slope, embassy officials added, noting both survivors later contacted diplomatic personnel while awaiting transit clearance at a Nepalese-Chinese border checkpoint.
The disaster struck Wednesday when a massive collapse of rock and ice unleashed a wall of mud and water down a Himalayan river. Local authorities estimate nearly 1,500 people remain missing, including around 800 foreign tourists.
Nepalese police warned the death toll is expected to surpass 165, while Chinese authorities reported three fatalities on their side of the border.
