Nepal floods: More than 350 killed, over 1,300 missing

Catastrophic flash floods along the border between Nepal and Tibet have claimed at least 392 lives and left over 1,400 people missing. Rescue teams are on the ground searching for survivors in the Himalayan communities, which were devastated by a glacial collapse that sent a massive wall of mud and rock rushing through the area.

The disaster struck on Wednesday when the Lhende Khola river, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, was triggered by a glacial collapse. Local authorities warn that a fresh disaster could occur as a lake formed due to the floodwaters is threatening to burst. Over 910 people are missing in the country, with 517 of them being foreign nationals.

In Tibet, Chinese broadcaster CCTV reported 558 people missing in Gyirong county, including 260 foreigners. The disaster has affected not only locals but also a significant number of foreign tourists, including 34 Australians, 33 Britons, 24 Canadians, and 8 Germans. The US has accounted for three of its citizens, but 90 remain unaccounted for.

Nepal's tourism board spokesperson noted that many of the missing were pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash, a site sacred to Hindus. China's Foreign Ministry said nearly 100 Chinese nationals were unaccounted for. The international community has stepped forward to offer support, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies releasing $1.4 million and dispatching emergency supplies.