53 Ukrainians missing after flooding on Nepal-Tibet border

Nepal's Tourist Police report that as a result of severe flooding on the border of Nepal and Tibet, 53 citizens of Ukraine are considered missing. This is stated in a statement by the Foreign Ministry in a comment to journalists, according to Українська правда.

"The Foreign Ministry received a report that this morning communication was lost with a group of tourists consisting of 46 citizens of Ukraine in the disaster area.

In total, according to Nepal's Tourist Police, at the moment 53 citizens of Ukraine are considered missing as a result of the natural disaster.

The Embassies of Ukraine in India and the PRC are maintaining contact with the competent authorities of the host countries regarding search operations that may reveal the whereabouts of the Ukrainian citizens".

The ministry adds that at the moment there is no information about the presence of citizens of Ukraine among the dead or injured.

On the personal instructions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, the Embassies of Ukraine in India and the PRC, based on the already known personal data of the missing citizens, are taking measures to establish contact with them and carry out other necessary actions.

In addition, the MFA "hotline" received eight messages from relatives about losing contact with persons from the mentioned list.

The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Nepal is also involved on the spot.

Background:

• Earlier it was reported that sudden flooding and a mudslide occurred on the border between Nepal and Tibet. According to preliminary information, the flooding could have been caused by an earthquake that triggered an avalanche, after which meltwater entered the Bhote Koshi River.
• Road traffic, communication, and electricity supply are disrupted in the region. The main road to Kathmandu is closed. Chinese state media also reported significant casualties in Tibet.
• The Foreign Ministry reported that it was checking information on whether any Ukrainians are among the missing in Nepal, with some of whom contact has been lost.