Nearly 400 tourists missing in devastating Nepal flood

Nearly 400 tourists are missing following a sudden flash flood in Nepal's border district of Rasuwa. The disaster struck on Wednesday morning when a massive surge of water rushed down from Tibet, China's autonomous region, through the Bhote Koshi River and crashed into densely populated areas.

Indian media outlet NDTV reported that approximately 140 of the missing tourists are Indian citizens. Citizens of South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States are also on the missing list. A large number of the tourists were reportedly on their way to the Hindu holy site of Kailash-Mansarovar.

Meanwhile, Nepal's tourism authorities said rescue operations are underway to locate domestic and foreign tourists as well as locals in the flood-affected areas. Nepal's army has deployed 14 helicopters and hundreds of rescuers in the affected region.

Rasuwa district and the neighbouring Syafrubesi area have been the worst hit by the flood. Houses and vehicles were swept away by the powerful currents. Roads, bridges and various infrastructure have also been damaged. Communication disruptions have complicated rescue efforts for the missing tourists.

Initial investigations found that an ice collapse in the Lende River blocked its normal flow, causing water to accumulate. The stored water then suddenly rushed down through the Bhote Koshi River, triggering the devastating flood. A 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in Tibet around the same time, which is believed to have dislodged the accumulated ice, releasing the massive surge of water.

The Associated Press, quoting officials, reported that 95 people have died in the flood so far. Search and rescue operations for the missing tourists continue.