Nepal floods: Number of missing South Africans rises to six as death toll tops 165

The death toll from recent floods in Nepal has surpassed 165, with the country's tourism board reporting that the number of missing individuals has risen to six South Africans. A glacier collapse in Tibet triggered a wall of water and debris, devastating Rasuwa district on the northern border of Nepal, destroying villages, roads, and bridges.

Trekking routes near Syabrubesi, a popular gateway for pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash, were rendered inaccessible. Nepal police have confirmed at least 165 fatalities and 826 missing persons, while the tourism board estimated 517 foreigners are unaccounted for. Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman revealed that a South African couple's daughter had sought assistance, and a tour operator confirmed another South African couple was also missing.

Helicopter surveillance is the sole method of access, as roads have been rendered impassable due to the water levels. Gift of the Givers has 11 urban search-and-rescue specialists, four SAPS dog handlers, and four dogs at the ready, with their head of search and rescue, Ahmed Bham, in contact with Nepalese disaster management officials.

The South African embassy is prepared to expedite visa processing, but awaits a formal request for international aid. Chinese state media reported three deaths and 558 missing in Gyirong County, Tibet, with 260 of those being foreigners. The tourism board noted that their list is preliminary, and being included does not signify a person's demise.