Four South Africans are among hundreds of tourists who remain unaccounted for after flash floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reports, citing Nepal's Tourism Board.
At least 95 people have died, while authorities warn that the death toll could rise. The Nepal Tourism Board said more than 300 tourists were missing following the massive floods.
A torrent of mud and debris burst from the banks of a river near the border between China and Nepal, burying buildings and prompting a frantic search for survivors.
Chinese state media reported "major casualties" after a mudslide struck a Tibet trade hub on China's side of the border with Nepal. President Xi Jinping ordered an "all-out" rescue effort.
Rushing floodwaters
Videos posted online by police teams show a huge rush of water sweeping towards multi-storey buildings along a river. The floodwaters washed away a bridge and destroyed homes within minutes.
The region is regularly hit by deadly floods and landslides during the June-to-September monsoon season. Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across South Asia.
Qianggong Zhang, head of climate and environmental risks at ICIMOD, warned that a second flood may be imminent.
The armed forces and paramilitary troops have joined rescue operations, with helicopters being deployed to evacuate people from affected areas. However, water levels remain so high in some of the worst-hit locations that helicopters have been unable to land.
