Rescue teams search devastated communities as international aid pours into flood-hit areas along the Nepal-China border

Catastrophic floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 362 people and left more than 1,400 missing, as rescue teams continue searching through mud and debris for survivors.

The disaster struck on Wednesday when a massive surge of freezing water, mud and debris swept through communities on both sides of the border, destroying homes, bridges and other infrastructure and carrying away vehicles.

The flooding followed what authorities and experts described as a glacial collapse or ice-rock avalanche in the Himalayas. The resulting torrent travelled downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, cutting a destructive path through communities in Nepal.

Surveillance footage from the Chinese side showed floodwaters and debris crashing through the Gyirong Port area near the border, while in Nepal entire settlements were inundated.

Nepal has reported 359 deaths, while three deaths have been reported on the Chinese side. Thousands of people remain affected, with the number of missing including tourists, pilgrims, workers and local residents.

Nepalese authorities have deployed soldiers, rescue personnel, sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to search for people trapped beneath mud and debris. Damaged roads and bridges have made access to some areas difficult, forcing rescuers to rely heavily on helicopters.

The disaster has also raised concerns over the safety of foreign nationals visiting the Himalayan region. Missing people have been reported from several countries, including India, the United States, Malaysia, Australia, Ukraine and European nations.

International organisations and governments have begun sending emergency assistance.

The United Nations has allocated $2 million for emergency medical care, shelter and water, while the World Health Organization has sent medical kits intended to support basic health services for about 10,000 people for three months. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has also released more than $1 million for relief efforts.

India has sent emergency supplies, including nearly 50 tonnes of relief material, while other countries have offered financial assistance and rescue support. The United States has pledged $500,000 and is sending a disaster response adviser, while South Korea has also announced assistance.

The European Union has activated its Copernicus satellite monitoring system to support recovery operations, while humanitarian agencies continue preparing additional supplies.

With entire communities destroyed and hundreds of families still waiting for news of relatives, rescue operations remain focused on locating survivors and accounting for those missing. Authorities have warned that difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure could slow the response as the search continues.