Brit teenager among hundreds missing as Nepal flash floods kill at least 95
A British teenager is among the hundreds reported missing and at least 95 killed in horrific flash floods in Nepal.
An avalanche of ice and rock triggered destruction through parts of Nepal, with the Bhotekoshi river flooding at around 9am local time on Wednesday (26 August).
The Nepal Tourist Board said the number of missing people had risen from 384 to 403, with 33 UK citizens among 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.
Sunil Sharma, a tourism board spokesman, said 133 of those missing were from India on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet – a sacred site for Hindus.
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Also among the missing were 47 people from the US, 34 from Australia, and 24 from Canada, he added.
Alpine Eco Trek, which offers guided tours and expeditions in Nepal, confirmed that 12 British nationals on its tour across the Nepal-Tibet border were missing on Wednesday.
At least 95 people have been killed and many hundreds of local people and tourists are unaccounted for in the disaster, officials in Nepal said.
Ram Kumar Adhikari, the manager of Alpine Eco Trek, said two Irish nationals and four South African nationals who were also on the excursion are believed to be missing.
Speaking to the Press Association from the affected area, Mr Kumar Adhikari said there was 'not much info to share at the moment, but yes we have 12 British citizens (supposed) to make entry this morning'.
The age of the missing British citizens ranges from 13 to 65, according to travel logs shared with PA.
The firm, which also leads tour groups up Mount Everest, confirmed four of its Nepalese tour guides – aged 38, 35, 45, and 29 – are missing as well.
The Nepal Tourism Board said its staff and tourist police are “working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of tourists and travellers who were in or travelling through the affected areas”.
In a joint statement with Australia, the EU, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland, the UK embassy in Nepal said: “We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster. We express our solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.
“We encourage all those in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.”
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “I am deeply concerned to hear of the flash floods on the Nepal-China border.
“All my thoughts are with those affected and with British nationals in the area and their relatives here at home.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was 'deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Nepal'.
It added: “British nationals in Nepal should follow local authority advice and exercise caution while travelling. For consular assistance call (+44) (0)207 008 5000 or (+977) (0)14237100.”
The Nepal Tourism Board said its staff and tourist police are 'working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of tourists and travellers who were in or travelling through the affected areas'.
Jess Battison