At least 1,924 people are missing in Nepal following devastating flash floods that swept through parts of the country on Wednesday, according to the Nepalese disaster relief agency.
The agency said at least 517 foreign nationals are among those reported missing, although officials cautioned that the figures remain fluid as rescue teams continue to assess the scale of the disaster.
The death toll in Nepal has also risen to 579, while at least five people have been confirmed dead in neighbouring Tibet, where 558 others have reportedly been reported missing.
The situation remains fast-moving, with different authorities providing varying figures as emergency teams work to reach affected communities.
Glacier Collapse Triggered Massive Flood Wave
Local officials told the BBC that a collapsed glacier caused the huge surge of water, which swept through homes, roads and other infrastructure.
The flood wave also destroyed a key border crossing between Nepal and Tibet, further complicating rescue and relief operations in the remote region.
Authorities are continuing search-and-rescue efforts as families remain desperate for information about relatives who are still missing.
Foreign Nationals Among Those Missing
The disaster has also affected foreign nationals visiting or living in the region.
The UK Foreign Office said Nepalese authorities had cited 33 British nationals as missing, although the figure could change as officials continue to verify reports.
UK Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty said he had held a “very constructive meeting” with Nepal’s acting ambassador to Britain over what he described as the “shocking and catastrophic situation”.
Doughty said Britain would “stand by Nepal in their time of need” and acknowledged the enormous challenges facing rescue teams.
“This is a very, very complex situation, very remote areas and you’ll have seen the scale of the devastation,” he said.
The brother of one missing British national has also appealed to local authorities for help locating his sister.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue teams are facing difficult terrain, damaged roads and widespread destruction as they search for survivors and those still unaccounted for.
Officials say the number of missing people may continue to change as communication is restored and authorities gain access to isolated areas.
The scale of the disaster has prompted international concern, with governments and humanitarian organisations monitoring the situation and preparing support for affected communities.
BBC
