▲ A massive flood that occurred in north-central Nepal on the 26th
Five Japanese nationals are currently out of contact following a massive flood in the Himalayan mountainous region of north-central Nepal, Kyodo News and other outlets reported today.
According to the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, the five Japanese nationals, believed to have been participating in a local sightseeing tour, have been unreachable following the floods and landslides that struck the area the previous day.
The Japanese Embassy stated, "We have requested search and rescue operations from the Nepalese authorities and are continuing to gather information regarding their safety."
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that assigned officials are in contact with the families of the five individuals to gather information.
A senior ministry official told Kyodo News, "The families are also attempting to make contact, but they remain unreachable."
In connection with this, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) at around 4:00 AM today, writing, "I am concerned as local media are reporting that five Japanese nationals are missing. The local Japanese embassy attempted to contact the five individuals but was unable to reach them, so they have requested a search."
She added, "If anyone locally has information on their whereabouts, please notify the Japanese Embassy."
Prime Minister Takaichi later posted on X again, stating, "I feel deep sorrow over the massive floods that occurred near the border between Nepal and China, which have caused heavy damage in China as well. I express my condolences to those who have lost their lives and offer my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families."
Due to the floods and landslides that occurred the previous morning in areas including Bagmati Province in north-central Nepal, at least 160 people have been confirmed dead, including three fatalities on the Chinese side, and over 400 people remain missing so far.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the cause of the floods and landslides was a seismic-like phenomenon triggered by a glacial collapse.
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