WASHINGTON, DC – CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has joined international voices expressing condolences to the people of Nepal following devastating flash floods and mudslides that have left hundreds dead and thousands of people missing.
The disaster has triggered a major rescue and recovery operation as authorities continue to assess the scale of the destruction across parts of the mountainous country.
Photos and videos circulating online show powerful torrents of water rushing through communities, sweeping away roads and other infrastructure while triggering landslides and severe flooding in several areas.
The flooding has caused widespread disruption, with emergency crews continuing to search for people who may have been trapped or swept away by the rushing water.
Reports from Kathmandu indicate that the death toll has climbed to nearly 400, while more than 1300 people are reportedly missing. Among those unaccounted for are hundreds of tourists who were visiting Nepal when the disaster struck.
The figures remain subject to change as rescue teams reach more remote and difficult-to-access areas.
In a statement, CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow expressed solidarity with Nepal, describing the country as a valued member of the global cricket community and a friend of the Caribbean.
“On behalf of Cricket West Indies and the entire West Indies cricket family, I extend our heartfelt prayers, condolences, and solidarity to the people of Nepal following the devastating flash floods,” Shallow said.
He said Nepal’s relationship with the Caribbean extends beyond cricket, noting the country’s importance to the wider global cricket family.
“In this moment of profound tragedy, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Nepal," he said.
Shallow also acknowledged the families who have lost loved ones, those still waiting for information about relatives and the emergency responders risking their lives to assist those affected.
“Our thoughts are with every family affected, those who have lost loved ones, those awaiting news, and the brave responders working to save lives,” he said. “We pray for strength, comfort, and healing for the people of Nepal, and for the country’s swift recovery.”
The African Union Commission has also expressed its condolences following the disaster.
Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the flooding.
“On behalf of the AU Commission, the Chairperson extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Nepal, and to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the African Union said in a statement.
The Commission also expressed solidarity with Nepal during what it described as a difficult period for the country.
Meanwhile, rescuers continue to scour affected communities in search of survivors. The terrain and adverse weather are presenting additional challenges, with some areas difficult to access because of landslides, damaged roads and fast-moving floodwaters.
Video footage from the affected areas shows rescue workers running for safety as large volumes of water surge through hilly communities.
The disaster has also raised concerns about the safety of residents and visitors in some of Nepal’s most popular tourist areas.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the number of deaths, missing persons and the extent of damage to homes, roads and other critical infrastructure.
For families still waiting for word on loved ones, the search remains urgent.
