Flash floods in Nepal and China kill at least 98, hundreds missing

Devastating flash floods have struck a border area between Nepal and China, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least 98 people, with hundreds more reported missing. The torrents swept through communities on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and bringing travel to a standstill in affected regions.

In Nepal, the prime minister's office reported at least 95 fatalities. The disaster also left 403 people missing, including 341 foreign nationals. Among the missing are 133 Indian pilgrims en route to Mount Kailash in Tibet, 47 from the United States, 34 from Australia, and 33 from Britain, according to a tourism board spokesperson. Hundreds of local Nepali citizens were also caught in the floods while trekking.

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We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts.

China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed at least three deaths and 265 missing in the Tibet region's Gyirong County, near the border. The floods inundated villages, destroyed roads and hydropower projects, and left survivors covered in mud. Nepal has requested assistance from India and China for rescue operations, while Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered authorities to intensify search efforts.

The disaster occurred during Nepal's monsoon season, which, while less favorable for trekking within Nepal, is a key period for pilgrimages to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a route that passes through Nepal's Rasuwa district.

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India is prepared to p