Dozens of Americans among those missing after catastrophic Nepal flooding: What to know

A deadly flash flood that tore through Nepal and Tibet early Wednesday killed hundreds and left thousands missing, including dozens of U.S. citizens.

The Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9 a.m. local time, ravaging villages, roads and hydropower projects, officials said. The death toll is not yet clear.

Here’s what to know about this catastrophic event:

As of Thursday afternoon, the flooding has killed at least 389 people and injured another 466, Nepali police said. More than 1,400 people are missing.

Police added that the government has deployed more than 4,000 law enforcement officers as part of its response to the devastation.

Additionally, the United Nations has mobilized its own emergency teams on the ground in the region.

Tom Fletcher, U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said in a social media statement Thursday that he has allocated $2 million from the U.N. Global Emergency Fund to aid Nepal and Tibet.

“The immediate priority is saving as many lives as we can and getting those emergency response teams in,” Fletcher told CNN . “And then, it’s the medicine, it’s the health, it’s the water, the sanitation, the shelter for those who’ve been displaced.

The exact cause of the flash flooding event is still under investigation, but the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pointed to a glacial collapse that occurred near the China-Nepal border at 8:37 a.m. local time Wednesday.

USGS recorded the event as seismically equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake.

Chinese authorities warned Thursday afternoon that there is a “high risk” that a natural dam created during the landslide could break and lead to new flooding farther downstream.

President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday afternoon that an estimated 50 to 60 Americans were missing following the floods.

“We haven’t gotten a full list yet, but hopefully they’re OK, but that looked like something that people will not be, somebody will be lost, unfortunately,” he said.

The president added that his administration has offered Nepali leaders “any help that they need” in the response effort.

The State Department said in a Wednesday statement that the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is working with local authorities to assist U.S. citizens affected by the flooding. Additionally, the department said it will provide $500,000 in assistance as well as deploy a disaster response adviser to the region.

“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 in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu said in a Thursday morning statement that the Tribhuvan International Airport “remains open” for domestic and international flights.