President Donald Trump called the Nepal-Tibet flood disaster “terrible” Thursday, saying the U.S. had contacted Nepal’s leadership and pledged aid as the confirmed death toll climbed to 469 with nearly 1,000 people missing.
Trump said, “It’s terrible. We’ve called Nepal; we’ve offered any help that they need… We’re sending aid, and we’ve spoken to the leadership and we let them know anything they want, we’ll have.”
Officials Rally Around Nepal Amid Search for Missing Americans
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the disaster “a heartbreaking tragedy” in a Thursday post on X, writing, “Our prayers are with the families throughout the Himalayan region who have lost loved ones, those still awaiting news and the brave rescuers working tirelessly to find survivors.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor wrote on X Thursday that Washington is “fully engaged with assisting Nepal during this very difficult time.”
Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker said she spoke with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal about search-and-rescue efforts, including locating missing U.S. citizens. She said the State Department is “quickly deploying $500,000 in assistance to flood-affected communities” while the U.S. Embassy in Nepal coordinates with local authorities on efforts to assist U.S. nationals.
Second Disaster Risk Looms
The tragedy in Nepal happened in the wake of a Wednesday glacier collapse that sent rock, ice and debris through Himalayan river systems, destroying roads, bridges and power stations.
At least 540 of the missing are foreign nationals.
Nepal’s disaster management authority warned that a lake blocked by debris on the Bhotekoshi River was rising and could burst.
Separately, Chinese state media reported that a lake blocked by a natural dam on the Tibetan side faced a high risk of breaching. Citing the water resources ministry, it said the peak flow was expected around Sept. 1.
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