By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday extended the Philippines’ deepest condolences to Nepal following the deadly flash floods that struck Nepal’s northern border area with China’s Tibet region.
In a post on X, Marcos expressed sympathy to families and loved ones of those who died in the disaster.
“The Philippines extends its deepest condolences to our friends in Nepal and to all those affected by the deadly flash flood yesterday,” Marcos said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to those who lost family, loved ones and friends. Please accept our most heartfelt prayers for strength in this difficult time.”
Citing the statement from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, meanwhile, said the Honorary Consul is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to verify reports about one Filipino reported missing following a deadly flash flood and mudslide along the Nepal-Tibet border.
She said the government has yet to determine the identity of the missing Filipino national.
“The Honorary Consul is verifying with the Nepal authorities, including status of tourist or worker and identity,” Castro said.
A massive wall of mud, rock and ice that collapsed into a Himalayan river triggered torrents of water and debris, sweeping through communities along the Nepal-China border.
More than 160 people in Nepal were reported dead while hundreds remained missing as of Thursday.
Rescue teams have been deployed to search for survivors and assist those affected by the deadly flash floods.
Nepal’s authorities initially considered an earthquake as a possible trigger, but experts and satellite imagery indicated that the disaster may have been caused by an ice-and-rock avalanche following the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier.
According to reports, the resulting debris entered the Lhende River and triggered the deadly flash floods.
The disaster also affected a major route connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa, which is used by tourists, trekkers and pilgrims traveling toward Tibet. (PNA)
