Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote areas of Nepal after a devastating flash flood and mudslide killed more than 160 people, while hundreds of tourists remain missing.
Authorities said those unaccounted for include more than 100 Indian nationals, 54 Americans, 34 Australians and 33 Britons, along with more than 100 people from Nepal. The affected region is popular with both trekkers and religious pilgrims.
Nepal’s army has deployed around 2,000 personnel to support land and aerial search operations, with police and other emergency services also involved. Dozens of police officers, army personnel and power workers are themselves reported missing.
Scientists have warned that the disaster may not yet be over. Debris washed into river systems could have created temporary blockages, raising the possibility of a second flooding event if water breaks through.
The US Geological Survey said the disaster was initially mistaken for an earthquake but further analysis showed it had been caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow, triggering catastrophic impacts downstream.
International assistance is now being mobilised, with the US, China, India and the European Union among those pledging support or sending relief supplies as rescue efforts continue.
via BBC
