Top updates: Nepal flash flood toll rises to 162, nearly 300 Indians missing

The toll in the flash flood and mudslide in Nepal on Wednesday rose to 162. About 500 foreigners remain out of contact, including nearly 300 Indians, Shisir Khenal, the foreign minister of Nepal, told NDTV.

“We know that many are in the affected area, but have not been able to fully establish contact with them,” said Khenal.

Nepal’s disaster agency had earlier said that 823 persons are out of contact, including at least 579 tourists, reported AFP. In Tibet, 558 persons are reported missing.

The floods occurred in the Rasuwa district along Nepal’s northern border with China. The mountainous district is located about 120 km north of Kathmandu. As there was no rainfall in the area, residents did not have a warning about the deluge.

Here’s more on this and other top updates:

• It was initially suspected that an earthquake could have caused the flash flood and mudslide. However, the United States Geological Survey said there was no earthquake in the area, the BBC reported.

• The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, which works on climate and glacial conditions in Nepal, stated that experts were investigating if the flood was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche.

• Water levels in the Trishuli river at Galchchi had reportedly risen by nine metres within 30 minutes, while levels at Malekhu rose by seven...

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