Nepal floods: Death toll reaches 1,357 as US sends diplomat to lead relief

The death toll from recent flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,357, with 5,326 people still reported missing, including 64 US nationals. The flooding was triggered by an avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, causing widespread destruction of homes, roads, and hydropower projects.

In response, the United States has appointed veteran diplomat Megan Bouldin as Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy in Kathmandu to lead relief and recovery efforts. Bouldin will work alongside Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Urbom to support the embassy’s ground operations, with a specific focus on assisting affected US citizens. Additionally, Washington has pledged $500,000 in emergency grant assistance for victims in the Rasuwa district, one of the areas most severely impacted by the disaster.