A catastrophic flash flood triggered by an earthquake-induced avalanche struck the Nepal-Tibet border region early Wednesday, leaving at least 17 dead and nearly 400 people unaccounted for, including hundreds of foreign nationals.

A devastating flash flood swept through Rasuwa district in northern Nepal early Wednesday morning, resulting in at least 17 confirmed deaths and leaving nearly 400 people missing across both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border. Among those unaccounted for are 291 foreign tourists and 93 Nepalese nationals, including local guides, according to Nepal's tourism board. The missing foreigners include citizens from the United Kingdom, United States, Malaysia, South Africa, and India. Rescue operations have been mobilized on both the Nepalese and Tibetan sides, with 12 people rescued so far.

According to Nepal's Foreign Affairs minister Shishir Khanal, an earthquake at 08:37 local time triggered an avalanche, which preliminary reports suggest caused the disaster. The avalanche led to melted snow pouring into the Bhote Koshi river, creating the catastrophic flood that destroyed villages and damaged critical infrastructure. Nepal's security agencies are coordinating search efforts, though road access to the affected area has been severed and communications remain disrupted. Authorities attempted helicopter inspections but faced challenges due to strong winds.

The flooding has disrupted the main road to Kathmandu, with several areas downstream placed on high alert. Nepal's disaster management authority has urged residents near vulnerable river areas to take precautions. Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting and announced coordination efforts involving medical teams, scouts, and the Red Cross. Additionally, 26 police personnel, nine armed police officers, and 44 military members are reported missing.

Nepalese officials anticipate substantial casualties and state that the scale of this disaster appears to exceed last year's flooding in the same region, which killed 18 people following a glacier burst on the Chinese side.