US President Donald Trump has offered Nepal whatever assistance it needs after devastating flash floods hit the country's Rasuwa district, as American authorities work to locate US citizens reported missing in the disaster.
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Trump said Washington had been in contact with Nepalese leaders and was ready to provide help. He described the destruction caused by the floods as extraordinary, saying buildings had been swept away by a powerful mixture of mud and water.
"We've called Nepal, and we've offered any help that they need. And we have a very good relationship with Nepal, and that was a brutal... that wasn't just... that was mud and water. It's a mixture that nobody's ever seen anything quite like that, where very powerful, strong, you know, strong, well-built buildings were wiped out like they were toothpicks," Trump said.
"It's a terrible thing. No, we are sending aid, and we've spoken to the leadership, and we let them know anything they want, we'll have," he added.
US searches for missing citizens
Trump said around 50 to 60 Americans were believed to have been in the affected areas, although he said the US had not yet received a complete list of people affected.
"And there were 50, maybe 60 Americans over there who we haven't gotten the full list yet, but hopefully they're okay. But that looks pretty... that looks like something that people will not be... somebody will be lost, unfortunately," Trump said.
CNN reported that the US State Department has said 90 Americans are missing following the floods.
Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the safety of US citizens remained the administration's immediate priority.
"We've offered our help and our assistance, but of course the first priority for this president and Secretary Rubio will always be Americans. So, we're focusing on rescuing every American that we possibly can, and that effort will continue," Leavitt said.
US provides emergency assistance
The State Department said it was closely monitoring the situation and had sent a disaster response adviser to the region to support relief operations.
"The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster," the department said.
Washington has also announced USD 500,000 in assistance through its global award with Catholic Relief Services. The funding will be used for emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene support for communities affected by the floods.
"The US Embassy in Kathmandu is working closely with local authorities to locate and assist U.S. citizens in the affected areas," the State Department said.
The department has urged Americans in Nepal who need urgent help because of the flooding to contact the US Embassy. It has also asked those in affected areas to follow instructions from local authorities, monitor local news and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for emergency updates.
Death toll reaches 389
The US response comes as the scale of the disaster in Nepal continues to grow.
The death toll from the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa district has reached 389, while 977 people remain missing, according to the latest status report from Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority released on Thursday.
Of those reported missing, 517 are foreign nationals. Another 127 are Nepali citizens living abroad who had travelled to Nepal to visit.
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up an Emergency Response Team to coordinate search and rescue operations, verify information and provide consular assistance to foreign nationals affected by the floods.
Rescue teams continue to search affected areas for missing people, help those stranded by the floods and work to restore damaged infrastructure.
