Nepal and China report hundreds dead and thousands missing after massive flood

A catastrophic flood and debris flow caused by a glacier collapse in the Bhote Koshi river basin has resulted in hundreds of deaths and nearly 1,400 people missing across the border of Nepal and China.

In Nepal, the death toll has reached 553, with the highest number of fatalities reported in the Chitwan district. Authorities are searching for 937 missing persons, a group that includes 517 foreign citizens and 127 Nepalese living abroad. Rescue teams have successfully saved 117 foreign tourists so far.

On the Chinese side of the border in Gyirong County, officials have reported five deaths and 558 people missing. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, sweeping away bridges, roads, and entire villages.

The missing foreign nationals include citizens from India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and Ukraine. Rescue efforts involving approximately 15,000 personnel are being hampered by damaged communication networks, landslides, and the threat of further flash floods.