Dozens confirmed killed, hundreds missing in Nepal-China border flash flood

The death toll in Nepal has risen to at least 72, according to local police in Bagmati province, with hundreds more unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts ramp up. Chinese state media has warned of "major casualties" in Tibet, though no official figures have been released there.

The flood struck early Wednesday in Rasuwa district, just north of Kathmandu, with preliminary information suggesting an earthquake triggered an avalanche that sent melted snow pouring into the Bhote Koshi river. Nepal's army said it had rescued 88 people so far.

Nepal's tourism board said it was working to determine the whereabouts of 291 tourists and 93 Nepalese nationals, including guides, who were in the area; among them were 12 UK travelers, as well as Americans, Malaysians, South Africans, and Indians. Reuters reported that at least 384 travelers had been reported missing, including 105 Indians, 93 Nepalis, three US citizens, 12 British nationals and eight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant, along with 17 Malaysians, four South Africans, and one person each from Australia and the Netherlands.

The flood also reportedly caused heavy damage to a hydroelectric project in Rasuwa, leaving 60 project workers who were inside a tunnel at the time of the collapse unaccounted for.

Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that 26 police personnel, nine armed police officers and 44 military members were also missing, and said an earthquake at 08:37 local time had triggered the avalanche believed to have caused the flooding.

China's Xinhua news agency said a mudslide hit the Gyirong port land crossing in Shigatse City, Tibet, cutting roads, communications and power in the region. China has deployed at least 574 rescuers to the crossing, though flood sediment is complicating efforts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a comprehensive and thorough search and rescue effort and instructed that emergency equipment and tents be sent to the affected areas.

In response to the disaster, the US Embassy in Nepal said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and urged Americans in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Tanahun to avoid riverbanks and seek higher ground. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered an "all-out" rescue effort, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged solidarity and "all possible humanitarian assistance."

Authorities fear the disaster may exceed last year's deadly Rasuwa flood, which killed 18 people after a glacier burst on the Chinese side of the border.