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At least 157 people have been killed in a devastating flash flood in Nepal, while nearly 400 others remain missing, as rescue teams continue to recover bodies from flood- and landslide-hit areas.
The flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday, sweeping away homes, roads, bridges, vehicles and other infrastructure. According to Nepalese authorities, the missing include hundreds of foreign nationals and members of the security forces.
Bodies have been recovered from several districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun and Nawalpur. The disaster has also caused extensive damage to hydropower projects, bridges and highways.
Nepal Tourism Board data showed that hundreds of foreign nationals were among those reported missing, including citizens of India, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Satellite imagery indicated that an avalanche in the Tibet region triggered a massive surge of debris and water into the river system, causing the sudden flooding.
Rescue operations are underway, but damaged infrastructure and difficult terrain are hampering efforts.
Authorities remain concerned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams reach areas that remain inaccessible.