Sky News halted its regular programming on Wednesday to report a tragic breaking news update: at least 12 people from the UK are among hundreds missing after flash floods hit a Nepal border area. The announcement came after a huge flash flood and mudslide struck near the border with Tibet early on Wednesday, believed to be caused by excessive snowmelt in the Bhote Koshi River.
Presenter's emotional announcement
Presenter Sean Fletcher delivered the devastating update, saying: "We begin in Nepal where at least nine people have died after an avalanche sparked flash flooding. Officials say hundreds more are believed to be missing."
He added: "Rescue helicopters were sent to villages in Himalayan region, but waters were too high for them to land. Residents of several of Nepal's districts have been warned to stay away from the banks of the river." Fletcher described the imagery of the incident as "astonishing" before acknowledging that the death toll is likely to rise.
Reporter details rescue efforts
Sky News reporter Neville Lazarus provided further details: "That's correct. There are possibilities of this number rising, also because this place is quite remote. It will take some time to ascertain the kind of damage and lives that have been lost in this region."
He revealed that the Nepal government has declared the flood-hit area a "disaster zone for the next three months." Lazarus continued: "We've seen pictures of homes being swept away, a number of villages have been affected. So far, the military has said they have rescued close to 100 people, they have been taken to various hospitals."
Foreign nationals among missing
The reporter said that 15 military helicopters have been used, while private helicopters have been called to help with rescue missions. He explained that tourism agencies in Nepal had confirmed several foreign nationals were missing and were working to establish their whereabouts.
Lazarus noted that the whereabouts of more than 100 Indian tourists are currently unknown, but stressed that this does not necessarily mean they are missing or have been killed in the floods. "It will take some time to find out the devastation this cloudburst has caused," he added, revealing that a similar incident occurred a year ago, in which several people lost their lives.
Death toll rises
Among the 12 UK citizens missing is a 13-year-old girl and two Irish nationals. The country's tourism board has confirmed that 384 people are missing in total. Since the Sky News report aired, Nepalese police have confirmed that 18 people have died.
