Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has expressed condolences to the peoples of Nepal and China following a devastating flood in Nepal and Tibet that reportedly killed hundreds of people and left many others missing.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church sent messages to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I mourn the flooding in Tibet, which resulted in the deaths and disappearance of many people,” Patriarch Kirill wrote in his message to Xi Jinping. He asked the Chinese leader to convey his support to those who had lost relatives and friends, and said he was praying for the swift recovery of the injured and for strength for the rescuers.

In a separate message to Nepal’s leadership, the patriarch expressed condolences over the deaths and injuries, the destruction of homes, and damage to transportation infrastructure.

“During these difficult days for the people of Nepal, I ask you to convey words of comfort and support to all your compatriots—especially those who have lost relatives and loved ones,” Kirill said.

The catastrophic flooding struck border areas of Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region on August 26. According to the latest figures cited by Reuters, the death toll in Nepal had risen to nearly 500, while around 1,000 people remained missing. On the Tibetan side, five deaths had been confirmed and more than 500 people were reported missing. Search-and-rescue operations are continuing.

Preliminary reports indicate that the disaster was triggered by the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier. Ice, rocks, and mud surged into a river channel, generating a powerful debris flow and sudden flooding. Roads, bridges, homes, and energy infrastructure were destroyed, while the major Gyirong border crossing on the Chinese side was also seriously damaged.

The search for missing people remains particularly difficult. Those unaccounted for reportedly include hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims traveling toward Mount Kailash, a site considered sacred by followers of several religions. Rescue teams are operating in remote mountainous terrain, using helicopters to evacuate people and deliver humanitarian supplies.

The formation of a lake after debris blocked the river has created an additional hazard. On August 28, the lake began to overflow, raising fears of further flooding and temporarily complicating rescue efforts.

In his messages, Patriarch Kirill urged people to support those affected through prayer and wished strength to everyone involved in responding to the disaster. Pope Leo XIV also expressed condolences over the tragedy.