291 foreign tourists among hundreds missing after deadly flash flood hits Nepal-Tibet border

KATHMANDU, Nepal — A devastating flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border has left at least 384 tourists and travelers missing, including 291 foreigners. The Nepal Tourism Board released a preliminary list comprising 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. The extent of the damage is still being verified by travel agencies, local authorities, and security agencies.

At least 17 fatalities have been reported so far as the disaster caused extensive destruction along the Bhote Koshi River. Among the foreigners reported missing are 105 Indians and tourists from Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

The flash flood hit the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district on Wednesday morning, sweeping through settlements and damaging infrastructure such as roads, bridges, vehicles, and hydropower facilities. The Timure and Syabrubesi areas were among those severely affected. Authorities have warned residents in the vicinity of the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers to stay alert for possible further flooding.

Rescue and recovery operations are challenging due to disrupted access to the affected regions. Security agencies, the military, and other emergency teams are working to locate the missing individuals and assess the full impact of the disaster. The cause of the flooding remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting an ice-and-rock avalanche may have triggered the sudden surge. The region's rugged Himalayan terrain has also complicated rescue efforts.

The Nepal Tourism Board clarifies that the list of 384 missing travelers is preliminary and subject to verification. Some individuals listed might be safe but are out of contact due to damaged roads and communication channels. Both Nepal and neighboring countries are coordinating efforts to locate the missing people, as the death toll and extent of destruction continue to emerge.