Leaders from around the world have expressed their solidarity with Nepal and China following the flood that has caused hundreds of deaths, offering humanitarian aid and closely monitoring the evolution of the emergency, in which 517 foreign tourists remain missing.
The British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has issued a statement in which he describes the scenes coming from the border between both countries as "devastating." "My thoughts are with all those affected, including the families and loved ones of the British citizens missing in this tragedy," he stated.
After the official count raised the number of unlocated Britons to 33, Burnham assured that he will do "everything in our power" to assist the UK citizens involved. At the same time, he urged caution: "I urge British citizens in the region to follow the instructions of local authorities and respect our travel recommendations."
From Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney described the sudden flooding recorded in the Bhotekoshi River as "absolutely devastating." "Canadians are thinking of all those who are in distress at this moment, those who have lost a loved one, and all those who are still waiting for answers," he noted, emphasizing that the Government is monitoring the disaster and that Canada "is ready to provide support" for rescue efforts.
The President of Brazil, Luiz Eduardo Lula da Silva, has stated on social media that "I received with great sadness the news about the floods that hit Nepal and China. The images are shocking and move us all," thus expressing Brazil's solidarity with both governments in the face of the catastrophe.
In the same vein, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has conveyed his "deepest condolences." He warned that "Australians in the affected area must follow the advice of local authorities. We are aware that there are several Australians in the area and officials are urgently working to confirm their situation."
The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has declared himself "deeply dismayed" by the floods in Nepal and China. "My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish strength and courage to all those who are helping on the ground in the hours and days to come," he noted, leaving open the possibility that Berlin may articulate humanitarian aid.
India, as a neighboring country, maintains close coordination with Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he has spoken with his Nepalese counterpart, Balendra Shah. "I have expressed my condolences for the lives lost due to the floods in Nepal. In this difficult moment, the people of India stand in solidarity with their Nepalese sisters and brothers and are by their side," he stated.
Modi has reiterated that his country is prepared to provide "all possible humanitarian assistance." "Our teams are closely coordinating rescue and relief efforts," he added.
The Nepal Tourism Board has revised upwards the number of missing tourists. Among them are 127 people of Nepalese nationality, while the largest group consists of 178 Indian citizens.
Additionally, 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians, 33 Britons, and 25 Canadians are being sought, as well as eight Germans and eight Russians. In total, the missing come from 33 different countries. However, the actual number is higher, as the count does not include Chinese citizens, despite the fact that the authorities in China, a neighboring country to Nepal, have indicated that around a hundred of their nationals are also missing.