VIDEO/ Massive Flooding in Nepal: Death Toll Rises to 17, Hundreds of Tourists Missing

At least 17 people have lost their lives and hundreds more are missing after devastating floods hit Nepal and parts of Tibet in China, destroying homes and roads and causing extensive damage to bridges and energy infrastructure.

According to Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Sisir Kanaal, the disaster was caused by an earthquake that triggered a massive landslide, blocking the Bhote Koshi River and resulting in the devastating flooding.

“The earthquake occurred today at 8:37 a.m., and because of it, a massive landslide occurred, blocking the river, and it appears that this caused the flooding,” Kanaal said during a meeting of the House of Representatives.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 4.4 earthquake in the area at the same time the Nepalese minister reported it.

Authorities warn that the death toll could rise significantly, while Chinese officials have expressed fears of “heavy losses.”

Homes and roads were destroyed in Nepal, while people are missing in Tibet’s Gyirong County after a landslide struck a border crossing between the two countries.

According to officials, 384 tourists are missing, including 291 foreign nationals from countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The situation is particularly difficult in the areas of Syapru Besi and Timure, in the mountainous Rasuwa District, where around 50,000 people live.

Rescue helicopters cannot land because of the scale of the flooding, as the river waters have risen far above their usual levels.

Television images showed homes being swept away by the water, cars floating and a metal bridge being carried away by the current. Witnesses told Reuters that entire villages had been flooded.

“There could be many casualties or extensive property damage,” warned district administrator Narendra Pariyar, urging residents along the banks of the Bhote Koshi to move to higher ground.