Twelve Britons, including 13-year-old girl, feared missing after deadly Nepal flash floods

Footage posted online showed dozens of people swept away at the border, with authorities on both the Chinese and Nepalese sides fearing far higher casualties and massive destruction.

Houses, roads and power projects were swept away in Nepal, while officials in Tibet said they feared "major casualties" with some missing in the county of Gyirong after a mudslide hit a border land crossing.

At least 384 travellers, including 105 Indians, 93 Nepalis, three U.S. citizens and 12 British nationals were missing from the region, Nepal’s tourism authority said.

GB News has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.

According to Nepalese police, 22 bodies have been recovered from the aftermath of the floods.

Rescue helicopters could not land in Nepal’s affected areas of Syapru Besi and Timure in the mountainous district of Rasuwa, with a population of about 50,000, officials said, with the river flowing above its normal course.

Tourists currently staying in Rasuwa and other areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers are urged to “exercise extreme caution” and remain in safe areas, following instructions from local authorities including moving to higher ground if required.

The British embassy in Kathmandu said it is “deeply saddened” by flash floods in parts of Nepal and urged people in affected areas to follow local advice.

A joint statement with the embassies of Australia, the EU, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland 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."

Visitors are also urged to stay in regular contact with hotels and travel agencies, and anyone with plans to travel to the affected areas in the coming days are warned to postpone their journeys.

Beijing has deployed at least 574 rescuers to the land crossing but the flood sediment is posing a challenge.

India said it was coordinating closely with Kathmandu on rescue and relief efforts, while South Korea plans to send a rapid-response team comprising government officials and fire and police personnel.

Authorities have warned that a second flood may occur since a blockage is still lodged upstream on the Lhende Khola river.

Flood alerts have also been issued in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which border Nepal, since several rivers flow down the Himalayas into their plains.