Thirty-three Latvian citizens remain unaccounted for following a devastating glacial flood in Nepal and China, with foreign ministry officials reporting that active rescue operations have now ended and territorial cleanup has begun. Līga Jermacāne, press secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ĀM), stated that while search efforts on the ground have ceased, consular departments in Latvia continue to monitor developments closely as recovery and reconstruction work gets underway in the disaster zone.
Glacier collapse triggers destructive floods in Nepal and China
The catastrophe unfolded on August 26 when a glacier collapse triggered a flow of ice debris from a glacial lake. The resulting surge of water and thick mud rushed down valleys in both Nepal and China, causing widespread devastation. A tourist group from Latvia happened to be near the epicenter when the floods struck. According to earlier briefings issued by ĀM, three Latvian residents who were in the region managed to escape unharmed, but 33 other nationals vanished in the ensuing chaos.
DNA Profile Verification Underway in Nepal
With physical rescue operations concluded, investigative and identification protocols have shifted to genetic matching. Nepalese authorities have officially confirmed the receipt and validity of DNA profiles sent for the 33 missing Latvian nationals. Jermacāne noted that Nepalese counterparts will soon initiate the process of comparing these DNA profiles. Officials at the ministry in Riga currently hold no timeline regarding when these DNA comparison results will be finalized or made public.
Ministry maintains diplomatic communication regarding missing persons
Despite the winding down of frontline rescue missions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that diplomatic engagement remains active. The consular department maintains communication with local authorities in Nepal to track identification updates and advocate for families waiting for news. Official channels have received no newer details regarding the status of the missing persons beyond the ongoing preparations for DNA testing.
Answering questions about the glacial flood disaster in Nepal and China
When did the glacial flood occur in Nepal and China?
The disaster struck on August 26, when a glacier collapse sent a destructive wave of water and mud crashing down from a glacial lake.
Were all Latvian tourists caught in the disaster affected?
No, out of a Latvian tourist group located near the epicenter, three individuals escaped safely without injury, while 33 others were reported missing.
What is the current status of the search operations?
Active rescue operations in Nepal have concluded, and local crews have transitioned to clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructure while forensic identification begins.