Hundreds missing after flash flooding along Nepal-China border

Catastrophic flash flooding killed more than 150 people in Nepal and southwest China on Wednesday, with hundreds of foreign tourists missing. A torrent of water submerged at least one entire village along the Nepal-China border, and several mudslides also hit the area, officials reported.

Nepali police reported at least 157 people found dead and 41 others being treated at various hospitals. The police closed sections of road and told the public to avoid the river, instructing locals to stay in safe places and avoid traveling. Global journalism organization Visegrád 24 reported at least 384 tourists and hundreds of locals remained missing, including 105 Indian citizens, 12 British nationals, eight South Korean citizens, and three Americans.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development suspected an ice rock avalanche from a glacier triggered the flooding. Seismometers near the affected area also recorded anomalous activity, and experts are investigating a possible connection between an earthquake and the flood, the center said.

How have other countries responded? The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remained ready to help Nepal in any possible way with rescue and relief efforts, according to a Wednesday statement. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also pledged maximum effort to help rescue citizens missing or isolated by the Nepal floods, News Korea reported. India dispatched 10 tons of relief assistance and medical supplies to support Nepal’s response to the floods, adding that India stood beside Nepal and its people.