A devastating flood and mudslide along the Nepal-China border has killed at least 19 people, while hundreds of tourists and residents remain unaccounted for.
Nepalese authorities said 384 tourists, including 291 foreigners, were missing more than eight hours after the disaster struck. Those unaccounted for include US, Indian, Australian, Malaysian and British nationals.
The torrent of mud and debris swept through riverside settlements, destroying homes and other infrastructure. Images showed floodwaters carrying debris through the affected areas and burying buildings under thick mud.
The Nepal Army has deployed helicopters and disaster response teams to search for survivors. Authorities have also warned residents living near rivers to move to safer locations as the risk of further flooding and mudslides remains high.
The disaster has also damaged electricity infrastructure, affecting around 430 megawatts of hydropower and solar generation capacity, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an “all-out” rescue operation after the mudslide caused major damage near Gyirong Port in Tibet.
A preliminary assessment by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development suggested that a rock-ice avalanche in Nepal may have blocked the Lhende River, triggering the cascading flood.
Authorities have warned that another flood could occur if the blockage upstream remains in place.
