'Approximately' 85 Americans remain missing in Nepal floods: State Department spokesperson
State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Sunday that approximately 85 Americans remain unaccounted for following catastrophic flash flooding on the border of Nepal and Tibet.
As of Sunday, the death toll rose to at least 750 people, according to Nepali and Chinese authorities, and more than 3,000 people remain missing.
"This morning, I can say we now have 85 Americans, approximately, that are unaccounted for. We've also now seen nine Americans be safely evacuated. We are currently unaware of any U.S. citizen deaths at this time,” Pigott told "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz.
Rescue teams are racing against the clock as weather conditions slow missions in the region, and Nepali authorities warn of possible new flooding.
Pigott told ABC News that the U.S. State Department has surged assistance to U.S. embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing. Additionally, the department has been coordinating with the Nepali government to assist with the rescue effort.
"We have activated from the State Department $3.6 million in emergency humanitarian assistance that includes up to three months of emergency food for up to 10,000 flood-affected households," Pigott said.
Pigott added that the money will also be directed to rebuilding roads and mobilizing transit authorities.
"Our priority is the safety and security of the American people. As you mentioned, the remoteness of this location makes getting reliable information difficult. But our dedication remains," Pigott said.
According to Nepal Disaster Management, the flood was reportedly caused by a landslide 12 miles away from the Rasuwagadhi border post.
Pigott urged Americans in the region to get in contact with the State Department by registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
"Our embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu are working 24/7 in terms of communicating and coordinating with local officials, trying to get that reliable information. If any American is in the region, please register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. That is so essential, so we know how to contact you," Pigott said.
