By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino is among 644 travelers reported missing after deadly flash floods swept through villages and trekking routes in Nepal on Aug. 26, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
The tourism agency said Thursday that the figure was based on preliminary information from trekking and travel companies operating in the country.
Of those unaccounted for, 127 are Nepali nationals while 516 are foreign travelers from 31 countries, including the Philippines, Australia, Canada, India, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies,” the Nepal Tourism Board said.
The agency did not release the identities of those reported missing, saying authorities were still working to establish their whereabouts and determine their safety.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs had yet to confirm the reported missing Filipino as of posting time.
An Anadolu Agency report said the death toll from the devastating floods had climbed to 162 as of Thursday morning.
The Nepal disaster comes amid reports of widespread destruction and large numbers of people still unaccounted for in the affected areas.
ia/xf
