Nepal floods: Rescue teams search for over 1,300 missing

Rescue teams are searching for over 1,300 people missing after flash floods destroyed villages in a Himalayan valley on the Nepal-Tibet border. The floods, caused by a wall of ice, mud, and rock collapsing into a mountain river, have affected trekkers and pilgrims from various countries. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 644 travellers were reported missing from affected areas, including 9 Singaporeans, 65 US citizens, 1 Israeli, and at least 288 Indians.

The search and rescue operations are underway, with helicopters being used to search for survivors and drop emergency supplies. Nepalese authorities have located 100 missing Indian visitors and 25 Chinese workers, but over 650 foreigners remain unaccounted for. The Daily Maverick reports that 270 bodies have been found so far, and the death toll is expected to rise.

The floods have caused widespread damage, with roads and bridges disrupted, making it difficult for rescue teams to access the affected areas. The Malaysian Foreign Minister reported that 55 Malaysians are still unaccounted for, although this figure has yet to be confirmed by Nepalese authorities. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has warned citizens to avoid traveling to the area due to the natural disaster.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Mothership, Malay Mail, Jerusalem Post, Daily Maverick — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.