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At least 162 people have been killed and 403 tourists remain missing after devastating flash floods and landslides struck Nepal’s border region with Tibet, officials said.
Nepal Police have recovered 162 bodies following the disaster, which swept through communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
Rescue teams are continuing operations to find survivors and recover people buried under mud and debris.
According to Nepal’s Tourism Ministry, 403 tourists were reported missing several hours after the disaster, including 341 foreign nationals.
Among the missing foreigners are 142 Indians, as well as citizens of Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.
The floods struck the Rasuwa area near the Nepal-Tibet border before surging downstream, affecting several districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
Entire settlements, roads, bridges and other infrastructure were swept away or buried in mud.
The United States Geological Survey said the disaster was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow rather than an earthquake initially reported in the area.
Nepalese authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations, while the government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations.
India has also offered humanitarian assistance, including relief and medical supplies.
Rescuers are racing against time as hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, while officials warn that further flooding could occur in the affected region.
