Four South Africans missing in deadly Nepal flash floods

Four South Africans are among hundreds of foreign nationals missing after deadly flash floods hit the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday.

The floods, which were reportedly triggered by a glacial collapse or avalanche, have killed at least 165 people and left hundreds more unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are currently being complicated by continuous rain and the difficult geography of the region.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the four South Africans were travelling with the Alpine Eco Trek agency, the same group as several missing British citizens. They were part of a larger group of international tourists, including citizens from India, Malaysia, and the United States, who were in the region when the disaster struck.

Disaster relief organization Gift of the Givers has confirmed they are on standby to assist with rescue and recovery efforts as the situation develops. The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure, with reports indicating that 439 roads have been damaged, making access for rescue teams extremely difficult.

The Bhotekoshi River burst its banks around 9 a.m. local time, sweeping away houses, bridges, and hydropower projects. The Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts in Bagmati province are among the worst affected areas.

Authorities have deployed troops and helicopters in a massive rescue operation, but the death toll is expected to rise as more areas become accessible.

“The recent floods in Rasuwa and other parts of Nepal have left families facing devastating loss, displacement and uncertainty,”

said UNICEF Nepal in a statement regarding the impact on local communities and children.