Nepalese authorities say 33 UK nationals missing after flash floods

The UK government is investigating the disappearance of 33 British nationals following deadly flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border. The flooding and mudslides hit the Rasuwa region in Nepal on Wednesday morning, leading to at least 157 deaths in Nepal and three in Tibet according to Chinese state media. Nepal police reported that 579 tourists, including 466 foreign nationals from 28 countries, are missing.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is working with local authorities to support British nationals affected by the disaster, advising people in the region to follow guidance from local authorities and the UK travel advice. The UK Foreign Office is actively coordinating with Nepalese authorities as reports of missing British nationals circulate, urging Britons to remain vigilant and follow local guidance.

Among the missing tourists, 113 are Nepalese and 54 are from the United States. An excursion company, Alpine Eco Trek, informed the Press Association that 12 British nationals on a tour in the region, along with two Irish nationals, were on an excursion across the Nepal-Tibet border and are believed to be among the missing. The ages of the missing British citizens range from 13 to 65.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband expressed deep concern over the situation, with the UK embassy in Nepal urging British nationals to exercise caution in the affected areas. Preliminary reports suggested the flash flooding was caused by an earthquake, but the US Geological Survey stated that the seismic energy was generated by a landslide.

CCTV footage showed the devastating impact of the flood, capturing the wall of water and mud sweeping through buildings near a border crossing and people trying to flee the surge in Trishuli. Chinese state media reported a mudslide in Tibet's Gyirong county that killed three people and left 265 missing, with rescue efforts underway.