Families of two British men missing since flash floods swept through a popular trekking region in Nepal have made an emotional appeal for information, as rescue teams continue to search for the pair.
Disappearance during trek
The men, identified as 34-year-old Tom Hall and 28-year-old James Wright, were last seen on August 25 while trekking in the Langtang Valley, about 50 kilometres north of Kathmandu. They had set out from a tea house in the village of Thulo Syabru and were heading towards the Kyanjin Gompa monastery when the floods hit.
According to local authorities, the flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst that caused a glacial lake to overflow, sending a wall of water and debris down the valley. The incident destroyed several bridges and trails, leaving many trekkers stranded or missing.
Family appeal
In a statement issued through the UK Foreign Office, the families of Hall and Wright said: "We are utterly devastated and desperately worried. We urge anyone who may have seen Tom or James, or who has any information about their whereabouts, to contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu. We just want them to come home safe."
The families have also praised the efforts of Nepali rescue teams, who have been working in difficult conditions to reach affected areas. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded trekkers, while ground teams are combing the riverbanks and debris.
Search continues
The British Embassy in Kathmandu has confirmed it is in close contact with Nepali authorities and is providing consular support to the families. A spokesperson said: "We are supporting the families of two British nationals who are missing in Nepal and are in touch with the local authorities."
At least 12 people have been confirmed dead across Nepal as a result of the floods, with several others still unaccounted for. The Langtang Valley is a popular trekking destination, and the disaster has raised concerns about the safety of such routes during the monsoon season.
Rescue operations are expected to continue over the coming days, with weather forecasts suggesting further rain could hamper efforts.
