12 UK nationals missing after flash flood in Nepal

Twelve UK citizens are among 384 travellers missing after a flash flood in the Rasuwa district of Nepal.The Nepal tourist board said the “sudden” flood happened on the Tibetan side of the Bhote Khoshi river at around 8.30am local time on Wednesday.It said 12 UK citizens, four South African nationals and four Nepalese nationals were in the area with the Alpine Eco Trek company, which offers hiking and trekking trips as well as bespoke holidays in the Himalayas.More than 100 of the 384 missing people are yet to have a nationality confirmed, the tourist board added.Tourists currently staying in Rasuwa and other areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers are urged to “exercise extreme caution” and remain in safe areas, following instructions from local authorities including moving to higher ground if required.Visitors are also urged to stay in regular contact with hotels and travel agencies, and anyone with plans to travel to the affected areas in the coming days are warned to postpone their journeys.The British embassy in Kathmandu said it was “deeply saddened” by flash floods in parts of Nepal and urged people in affected areas to follow local advice.A joint statement with the embassies of Australia, the EU, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland said: “We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas.“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster. We express our solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.“We encourage all those in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.”