384 tourists missing after flash floods hit Nepal-China border

Nepal's tourism authority said Wednesday that at least 384 tourists and travelers have been reported missing after massive flash floods triggered mudslides near the border with China, while eight people were confirmed dead in the disaster that struck early morning local time.

Massive search operations launched

Authorities said the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time (0245GMT) near the Rasuwagadhi area, a key transit point for trekkers heading to the Langtang region and travelers bound for Mount Kailash. The Nepal Tourism Board said the tourists were "reported missing from the affected areas," adding that those unaccounted for include nationals from Nepal, India, the UK, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands, while the nationalities of many others have yet to be confirmed. Nepal police confirmed eight bodies were recovered in the Nuwakot and Dhading districts, adding that police stations, customs offices and several private houses were swept away by the floodwaters.

Infrastructure damage across frontier

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the mudslide struck near Gyirong Port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Xinhua reported: "The disaster has cut off roads leading to the port on the Chinese side, as well as communications and power supplies." Shailendra Thapa, a spokesman for the Armed Police Force, said a glacial lake outburst above the Bhotekoshi River may have caused the flooding, while emergency alerts were issued for downstream communities as far as Chitwan and rescue teams including helicopters were deployed.

Government mobilizes resources

In Kathmandu, government-run hospitals and medical facilities operated by security agencies were cleared to accommodate injured survivors, according to officials. An emergency Cabinet meeting is underway, while Home Minister Sudhan Gurung is preparing to brief parliament on losses and damage in the affected areas that serve as a vital artery for regional tourism.