Nepal-Tibet flash flood kills 22, leaves 384 travelers missing
What's new: Officials warned the toll could climb sharply as roads, power and communications were cut in the border region.
A flash flood and mudslide along the Nepal-Tibet border killed at least 22 people on Wednesday and left 384 travelers missing after a surge tore through river valleys, sweeping away villages, bridges and vehicles. Nepal's tourism board said the missing included 291 foreign nationals from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Malaysia, as well as 93 Nepalis. Officials said an avalanche of ice and rock likely sent meltwater into the Bhote Koshi system, triggering the disaster in Rasuwa and downstream areas including Nuwakot. Rescue operations were under way on both sides of the border, with 88 people rescued, while authorities closed the main road to Kathmandu and warned of more danger along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.