Thirty-three UK nationals, including a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, are among hundreds missing following a deadly flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster has claimed hundreds of lives, with Nepali police reporting 332 bodies recovered so far. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority stated that over 1,300 people remain unaccounted for.

The UK has offered £5 million to assist the Nepalese government in its relief efforts, describing the situation as "very distressing and devastating." The Prime Minister had previously advised those in the affected region to heed local guidance and travel advisories. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is working closely with Nepalese authorities due to "concerning reports" of missing British nationals and urged citizens to follow local advice and remain vigilant.

Excursion company Alpine Eco Trek confirmed it has lost contact with a group of 12 Britons booked on a tour to Mount Kailash, who were in the affected region when the floods struck. According to the company's travel logs, the ages of the missing British citizens range from 13 to 65. Attempts to charter rescue helicopters were thwarted by poor weather conditions, and the company plans to continue assisting rescue efforts.

Kumar Adhikari, manager at Alpine Eco Trek, reported that four of the firm's Nepali tour guides are also missing. He last had contact with them at 08:40, when they were expected at Tibet's immigration office. "We were hoping that inside it was safe, but later the video came from China's government which [showed] even Tibet's side was hit by the flood," Adhikari stated, expressing deep pain as he struggles to provide updates to the families and has forwarded client passport copies to the British consulate.

Other tour operators have also been affected. The Trekkers' Society reported nine UK nationals on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash are missing after crossing the Nepal-Tibet border. This group includes four males aged between 14 and 50, and five females aged between 40 and 53. The society's general manager indicated the group was at Chinese immigration at the border when the flood occurred, and contact with their tour guide has been lost.

Himalayan Glacier US also reported losing contact with a group of 47 guests and staff who were making a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a sacred site considered the center of the universe in Tibetan Buddhism. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local rescue capabilities, with many areas becoming inaccessible due to mudslides and debris.

Officials are grappling with the logistical challenges of reaching remote disaster zones and identifying victims. The Nepal Tourism Board indicated that 644 tourists are currently out of contact, highlighting the widespread impact on international visitors engaged in trekking and pilgrimage activities in the mountainous region.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but progress is slow due to the hazardous conditions and the vastness of the affected area. Authorities are working to account for all missing persons and provide support to those affected by the devastating floods.