A total of 22 bodies have been recovered after torrential flooding in the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and Xizang Autonomous Region, a police official said on Wednesday.

Xinhua News Agency, citing the Nepal Tourism Board, also reported that as many as 384 tourists, including 291 foreigners, have been reported missing after a flash flood swept through Nepal's Rasuwa district.

Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for the board, said the missing were from India, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, Britain and South Africa, among others.

President Xi Jinping had earlier ordered all-out efforts to search and rescue people who are missing after the mudslide caused "major casualties" in Gyirong County in Xizang Autonomous Region.

Premier Li Qiang also issued instructions, calling for an immediate verification of the number of the missing and affected people.

He also instructed the Foreign Ministry to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant countries to work together to properly handle rescue and relief efforts.

Authorities in Xizang have mobilised forces to carry out search and rescue operations. (Xinhua & agencies)


Edited by Aaron Tam