Tourist board says 33 UK nationals missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods

Tourist board says 33 UK nationals missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods

According to Nepal’s Tourism Board, thirty-three individuals from the United Kingdom are among the hundreds feared missing following a devastating flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster struck the Rasuwa region early Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 95 people in Nepal and three in Tibet, as reported by Chinese state media.

The Nepalese authorities have confirmed that 403 people remain missing after the flooding and mudslides, including 61 Nepali citizens and 341 foreign nationals from 26 different countries. The UK Foreign Office is actively cooperating with Nepalese officials regarding troubling reports about missing British nationals, advising UK citizens to adhere closely to local safety instructions and stay vigilant amid the evolving situation.

Alpine Eco Trek, a company specializing in guided tours in Nepal, informed the Press Association that twelve British tourists and two Irish tourists on an excursion near the Nepal-Tibet border are believed to be missing. Manager Kumar Adhikari stated, “not much info to share at the moment, but yes we have 12 British citizens (supposed) to make entry this morning.” The company’s records indicate that the ages of the missing British citizens range from 13 to 65 years old. In a joint advisory with several countries, including Australia, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway, and Switzerland, the UK embassy in Nepal urged British nationals in Nepal to “exercise caution in affected areas.”

The flash flood originated north of Kathmandu, in Rasuwa, and early evidence suggests that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, causing snow to melt rapidly and flood into the Bhote Koshi river. Disturbing CCTV footage shows a torrent of water and mud crashing into structures near a border crossing, while video captured from inside a bus in Trishuli reveals dozens of people attempting to escape the surging floodwaters. Additionally, Chinese state media reported that a mudslide in Tibet’s Gyirong area resulted in three fatalities and 265 individuals missing, with rescue operations currently underway

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