Nepal-Tibet Flood Disaster: Death Toll Hits 165 as More Than 1,000 Remain Missing
At least 165 people have now been confirmed dead following a devastating flash flood that swept through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border.
More than 1,000 people are still missing as rescue workers continue searching through areas buried under mud and debris.
The flood struck on Wednesday, sending a huge surge of water through valleys and destroying homes, roads, vehicles and other infrastructure.
Hundreds of tourists and pilgrims are among those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Nepalese authorities said 826 people were missing on their side of the border, including nationals from India, the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada.
Chinese state media also reported hundreds missing in Tibet, with foreign nationals accounting for a significant number.
Several of those affected were travelling to Kailash Mansarovar, a high-altitude religious destination revered by Hindus and Buddhists.
Early reports suggested that an earthquake triggered the disaster by causing a glacier to collapse.
However, the US Geological Survey later said the seismic activity was generated by collapsing rock and ice rather than an earthquake.
A preliminary satellite assessment found that an ice-and-rock landslide triggered the debris-filled flood in the Lhende River.
Survivors described being caught off guard as water and mud swept rapidly through the affected communities.
One survivor said he was carried downstream by the torrent but managed to save himself by holding onto a tree.
Another survivor said he watched helplessly as his wife was swept away by the flood.
Rescue operations are being conducted with helicopters, soldiers, emergency personnel, sniffer dogs and boats.
Families have gathered at rescue centres seeking information about relatives who remain unaccounted for.
Power and communications have also been disrupted in some areas after the disaster damaged hydroelectric facilities and roads.
International organisations and governments have begun sending emergency assistance to affected communities.
Rescuers are continuing their search as authorities assess the extent of the destruction and work to account for those still missing.
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