**Nepal Floods Leave Hundreds Dead, Thousands Missing: Live Updates**
A devastating flash flood struck Nepal's northern mountainous region early Wednesday morning, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The torrential surge of water, mud, and rock obliterated entire villages, washed away roads, and severely damaged power infrastructure and dams.
The Nepali Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, reported that thousands of individuals are currently unaccounted for, including a significant number of pilgrims heading to Mansarovar in Tibet, a site of great religious significance for Hindus. “Town after town has been wiped out within hours,” Khanal stated, highlighting the scale of the disaster. Among the missing, nearly 400 of the 579 tourists reported missing are Indian nationals.
Rescue operations are underway, with the Nepalese army deploying helicopters to reach those trapped in the debris and to deliver essential supplies to affected areas. So far, over 100 individuals, including foreign nationals, have been rescued. However, the rescue efforts face significant challenges due to the destruction of infrastructure and the thick mud that now covers many areas.
In neighboring China, the situation is similarly dire. The border customs post at Gyirong Port was completely destroyed by the floodwaters, and reports indicate that 558 people are missing in the region, including 260 foreigners. Rescue operations in China are also hampered by the lack of road access and the ongoing threat of further landslides.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging citizens and visitors to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties may take time to assess as rescue efforts continue.