Dozens of Jews Missing After Nepal Floods; Rescue Efforts Hampered

Approximately 30 Jewish individuals remain unaccounted for following devastating floods in Nepal, with at least two confirmed to be Israeli citizens. The catastrophic floods, which began near the Nepal-China border, have claimed over 1,000 lives, and the fate of around 4,400 others is still unknown. The disaster has destroyed villages, bridges, roads, and communication lines, isolating many areas and severely complicating rescue operations. Ground access to the hardest-hit regions is extremely difficult.

The Chabad center in Kathmandu has become a de facto headquarters for search and rescue efforts. Its representatives are coordinating aerial searches, gathering information on the missing, and communicating with their families. A significant challenge is the identification and burial of the deceased. Due to the high death toll and concerns about disease outbreaks, Nepalese authorities are conducting mass burials. Chabad representatives are working to identify Jewish victims before burial to ensure adherence to Jewish funeral rites, though the condition of discovered bodies makes identification difficult. Rescue teams continue aerial searches in the devastated areas, hoping to find survivors.