A massive flash flood triggered by an avalanche has killed thirty-one people and left more than 200 others missing along the Nepal-China border, as rescue teams intensify efforts to locate survivors.
The disaster, which began at about 9am local time, swept through several communities, destroying villages, roads and hydropower projects as huge quantities of mud and debris buried buildings and vehicles.
Nepali government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said on Wednesday that authorities had requested assistance from India and China to support the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
Pokharel said dozens of multi-storey buildings, trucks and vans were buried under large quantities of mud in Nuwakot District, one of the areas worst affected by the flooding.
Rescue operations have been hampered by the scale of the destruction, while authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and determine the number of people still trapped or missing.
Officials have also warned residents in several districts to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers over fears of further flooding.
Nepal Tourism Board officials said many of those reported missing were believed to be tourists from India and members of the Indian diaspora travelling on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus.
South Korean government officials also said some of their nationals working on a hydropower project in Nepal were among those reported missing.