Rescuers battle to find hundreds missing in Nepal after devastating flash floods

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At least 160 people have been killed, and many hundreds of local people and tourists are unaccounted for in the disaster, officials in Nepal said.

The Nepal Tourist Board said on Wednesday that the number of missing people had risen from 384 to 403, with 33 UK citizens among 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.

CCTV captured the terrifying moment when flash floods swept through a port in China's Tibet region, before later causing massive havoc in Nepal.

Alpine Eco Trek, which offers guided tours and expeditions in Nepal, confirmed that 12 British nationals on its tour across the Nepal-Tibet border were missing on Wednesday.

Ram Kumar Adhikari, the manager of Alpine Eco Trek, said two Irish nationals and four South African nationals on the excursion are also believed to be missing.

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Mr Kumar Adhikari, from the affected area, said there was “not much info to share at the moment, but yes we have 12 British citizens (supposed) to make entry this morning”.

The age of the missing British citizens ranges from 13 to 65, according to travel logs.

The firm, which also leads tour groups up Mount Everest, confirmed four of its Nepalese tour guides – aged 38, 35, 45, and 29 – are missing as well.

The Nepal Tourism Board said its staff and tourist police are “working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of tourists and travellers who were in or travelling through the affected areas”.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government will do “everything we can” to support British nationals in Nepal following the floods.

In a statement, Mr Burnham said: “These scenes emerging from along the Nepal-China border are devastating.

“My thoughts are with all those affected, including the families and loved ones of British nationals missing in this tragedy.

“We will do everything we can to support British nationals impacted in the region and are in touch with the relevant authorities to offer support.

“I urge British nationals in the region to follow guidance from the local authorities and follow our travel advice.”

In a joint statement with Australia, the EU, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland, the UK embassy in Nepal 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.”

Flash floods caused rivers to swell their banks and spread thick mud across populated areas, burying houses and creating difficult conditions for rescuers.

Videos posted on social media showed huge flood waters surging through valleys as people screamed in terror, with bridges being washed away.

Other videos showed people desperately fleeing uphill to escape the surging muddy flood waters.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a magnitude 5.2 seismic event occurred near the border between Nepal and China on Wednesday at 8.37am local time.

It added that a “glacial collapse and debris flow” caused “subsequent catastrophic impacts downstream”.