Daijiworld Media Network – Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Aug 27: At least 162 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after flash floods struck Nepal's border region with Tibet on Wednesday morning. Among those missing are at least 142 Indians, including pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar.

Nepal Police have recovered 162 bodies so far, while rescue teams are working against time to locate survivors and recover those trapped or buried under the debris. Authorities are also shifting families from flood-prone areas to safer locations.

The Tourism Ministry said around 403 tourists, including 341 foreign nationals, remained unaccounted for several hours after the disaster. The missing foreigners included 142 Indians as well as nationals of Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.

The flash flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9 am local time after water crossed over from the Tibet side. Rasuwa and Dhading, which border Tibet, and Nuwakot were among the affected districts.

Rescue operations have been intensified, with teams searching through mud and debris for survivors and bodies. Aid workers said entire settlements were wiped out in the floods.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah assured affected families that the government would deploy all available resources for relief and rescue operations.

"The pain and loss you have suffered is not small," Shah said, assuring victims that the state stood with them during the difficult time.

India has extended humanitarian assistance to Nepal, with the Indian Air Force deploying a transport aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of relief materials and medical supplies.

Shah thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his solidarity and offer of assistance, saying the gesture reflected the enduring friendship between India and Nepal.

Rescue agencies continue to race against time to trace those still missing and provide emergency assistance to affected communities.