The number of Ukrainian citizens reported missing following severe floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 64, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), as reported by UA News.
The increase comes as search-and-rescue operations continue in areas affected by the natural disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border.
MFA said that Ukrainian authorities continue to verify information and maintain contact with the families of unaccounted-for individuals. In fact, a group of consular officials from Ukraine’s Embassy in India has traveled to Nepal to assist with the ongoing search.
Aside from this, Ukraine’s Embassy in China is also coordinating.
Poor conditions hamper rescue efforts
Rescue operations are being conducted daily, although difficult conditions are slowing progress.
Dense fog has restricted the use of aircraft, while damaged roads and the possibility of additional landslides have created further challenges for rescue teams.
More than 2,000 people and over 300 pieces of equipment have been involved in the wider search operation.
Authorities are also using technology to support actions to locate the missing Ukrainians.
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Glacier collapse
The catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border occurred on the morning of August 26, primarily triggered by a massive, sudden glacier collapse.
At approximately 8:37am local time (NST), a magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook the steep, ice-covered slopes near the north of Langtang Lirung peak in the Himalayas.
Scientists note the tremor was likely the physical impact of the heavy glacier failing rather than a tectonic earthquake.
Moreover, reports said that the disaster was not caused by heavy rainfall, but rather by a complex chain of geological and climate-driven events.
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