Nepal authorities: Two Italians among missing. Alarm over new flood in Tibet

Devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border have left over 1,300 people missing and claimed at least 270 lives, according to joint reports from Beijing and Kathmandu. The natural disaster has swept away entire villages, creating a grim scenario for rescue efforts.

In Nepal, authorities report recovering 177 bodies and losing contact with 823 individuals. Among the missing are 517 foreign tourists, highlighting the international impact of the disaster. Meanwhile, Chinese state media indicates 558 people are unaccounted for in Tibet following a landslide that hit the Gyirong port, with 260 foreigners among them. Officials caution that these figures may overlap.

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It is a devastating picture that emerges from what happened in Nepal. Scenes never seen before, certainly for the scale of the devastation.

International aid is beginning to arrive, with the United Kingdom pledging 5 million pounds and offering rescue teams. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the situation as "devastating" and "unprecedented in its scale." Italy's foreign ministry is actively verifying reports that two Italian citizens are among the missing, with consular staff and tour operators being contacted.

The cause of the Nepal flooding is attributed by the USGS to a glacial lake outburst flood. The scale of the disaster has prompted a significant international response, with the U.S. also allocating $500,000 in aid. The focus remains on rescue operations and accounting for the thousands still missing.

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We are sending consular staff to the region, so British citizens can receive assistance 24 hours a day. An offer has been made to send rescuers, but the decision rests with the Nepalese government.