33 UK Nationals Missing in Nepal Floods, Himalayan Trip Takes a Terrible Turn

At least 33 people from the UK are among hundreds feared missing after a devastating flash flood and mudslide struck Nepal Rasuwa region near the Nepal,Tibet border. The disaster hit early on Wednesday, with flooding reported in the mountainous region north of Nepal capital, Kathmandu. At least 95 people have been killed in Nepal, while three deaths have been reported in Tibet by Chinese state media. Nepal police said 579 tourists are missing, including 466 foreign nationals from 28 countries. Among the missing are 113 Nepalese nationals and 54 people from the United States. UK nationals among those missing The UK Foreign Office said it is working closely with Nepalese authorities following reports of missing British nationals. British nationals in Nepal have been advised to follow local guidance, exercise caution in affected areas and remain alert as conditions continue to change. A guided tour company operating in the region, Alpine Eco Trek, told the Press Association that 12 British nationals and two Irish nationals travelling on one of its excursions across the Nepal Tibet border were believed to be missing. The company manager, Kumar Adhikari, said there was limited information available about the group at the time. Travel records shared with the Press Association indicated that the British nationals on the excursion ranged in age from 13 to 65. The figures reported by Nepalese authorities and the tour company may refer to different groups, and officials are continuing efforts to establish the whereabouts of those missing. Search and rescue operation underway The UK embassy in Nepal, together with Australia, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland, has urged people in the affected areas to exercise caution. The disaster struck in Rasuwa, a mountainous district close to the Tibetan border. Initial information suggested that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, sending large quantities of melted snow and water into the Bhote Koshi River. The resulting surge caused widespread flooding and mudslides through the valley. Dramatic CCTV footage showed a powerful wall of water and mud hitting buildings near a border crossing. Video recorded from inside a bus in Trishuli also showed people attempting to escape as floodwaters moved rapidly through the valley. Tibet also affected The disaster has crossed the border into Tibet. Chinese state media outlet CCTV reported that a mudslide in Gyirong killed three people and left 265 missing. Rescue teams were reported to be working in the affected area. With hundreds of people still unaccounted for across the region, authorities are continuing search and rescue operations. The situation remains fluid, and casualty and missing person figures could change as emergency teams reach isolated areas and authorities verify reports. For families in the UK, Nepal and other countries awaiting news of relatives and friends, the immediate priority remains locating those missing and bringing them to safety.