Nepal floods: at least 98 dead, hundreds missing, including many foreign nationals
Nepal is experiencing a major disaster after muddy torrents swept through the northern part of the country, particularly the Rasuwa district near the Chinese border, on Wednesday, August 26. The provisional toll indicates at least 98 deaths and several hundred missing. The catastrophe has also affected Tibet, with at least three deaths and 265 disappearances reported. Authorities anticipate the death toll will rise as search operations continue. The situation is particularly concerning for foreign nationals. The Nepalese Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation reports 403 missing individuals, including 341 foreigners. The Tourism Board, for its part, mentions 384 missing travelers, 291 of whom are foreigners. Indian, Malaysian, British, South African, American, Australian, and Dutch nationals are among those being sought. Eight South Koreans working at a hydroelectric plant are also unaccounted for. The mudslides notably struck Syabrubesi, the starting point for the famous Langtang trek, as well as areas frequented by pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar. Police have released images showing a massive wave of water traversing a narrow valley and carrying away several buildings. Electrical infrastructure has also been damaged, causing power outages in some areas. In response to the scale of the disaster, the Nepalese army has deployed soldiers and helicopters for rescue operations and damage assessment. Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting and
