At least 31 people have been killed and hundreds of tourists remain missing after a massive flash flood and mudslide struck the Nepal-Tibet border.
Nepal’s tourist authorities said more than 100 Indian tourists and 12 British nationals are among those reported missing. The affected area is popular with pilgrims, trekkers and other international visitors.
Dramatic CCTV footage from Tibet showed a powerful wall of water and mud sweeping through buildings near a border crossing, while images from Nepal captured people desperately trying to escape the rapidly advancing floodwaters.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister said the disaster may have been triggered by an earthquake that caused an avalanche, sending a huge volume of water and debris downstream.
On the Chinese side of the border, President Xi Jinping has issued personal directives over the emergency, underscoring the seriousness of the disaster. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing amid difficult conditions and widespread damage.
Authorities are still working to establish the full number of casualties and missing people as rescue teams search for survivors.
BBC
