Dozens of Australians and hundreds of tourists are missing after catastrophic flash floods devastated a border region between Nepal and China, according to multiple reports. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, has claimed at least 157 lives, with authorities confirming over 400 people are still unaccounted for. The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall, swept through mountainous areas, destroying homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Rescue operations are ongoing as teams work to recover bodies and locate survivors. Survivors described the sheer force of the floodwaters, which turned villages into mudslides. Some reported being trapped by a wall of rock and water, with only a few managing to escape. The prime minister’s office in Nepal reported 95 confirmed deaths, while China’s state broadcaster cited a mudslide in Tibet’s Gyirong County.
Tourists, including Americans and Australians, are among those missing. Officials have warned that the situation remains critical, with many still buried under debris. The region, known for its rugged terrain, has made rescue efforts difficult. As the death toll rises, the focus remains on identifying the missing and providing aid to those affected.
The floods have also disrupted travel in the area, with some communities cut off from essential services. The disaster highlights the vulnerability of mountainous regions to extreme weather events.
