Five Japanese nationals have been reported unreachable following massive floods 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 local sightseeing tours at the time, became out of contact due to floods and landslides that occurred in Nepal the previous day.

The Japanese Embassy stated, "We have requested search and rescue operations from Nepalese authorities and are continuing to gather information regarding their safety."

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that officials in charge are in contact with the families of the five individuals to gather information.

A senior official at the Foreign Affairs Ministry explained to 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 a.m. today, writing, "Local media are reporting that there are five missing Japanese nationals, and I am concerned. The local Japanese Embassy has reportedly attempted to contact the five individuals but has been unable to reach them, prompting a request for a search."

She also requested, "If anyone has information on their whereabouts locally, please notify the Japanese Embassy."

Later, Prime Minister Takaichi 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 severe damage in China as well. I express my condolences to those who lost their lives and offer my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families."

Due to the floods and landslides that occurred in areas including Bagmati Province in north-central Nepal yesterday morning, at least 160 people have died so far, including three deaths on the Chinese side, and more than 400 people are reported missing.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the cause of the floods and landslides was an earthquake-like phenomenon triggered by a glacial collapse.