More than 340 foreigners and tourists are believed to be among the hundreds missing after the flash floods in Nepal near the border with China.

Reports say the death toll on the Nepal side has risen to at least 160 people.

The floods triggered a mudslide in China's Xizang Autonomous Region, killing at least three and leaving 265 others missing.

Hikers and climbers from around the world flock to the Himalayan nation to test themselves on some of the world's highest peaks, Mount Everest among them.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 142 nationals from neighbouring India were missing. They were in the country with three travel agencies.

Ukraine's foreign ministry said Nepal's Tourist Police had informed them that they believed 53 Ukrainian nationals are missing.

They included a group of 46 Ukrainian tourists with whom the authorities in Nepal had lost contact, the ministry added.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 34 of the country's nationals were missing.

"Our thoughts are with all those who will be concerned about their loved ones today," said Albanese.

Seventeen Malaysians travelling on an organised tour were reported missing.

The Nepal tourism board said 12 United Kingdom citizens are unaccounted for.

South Korean officials confirmed eight hydropower workers were out of contact in the Rasuwa district following the floods.

Four South Africans travelling with the same travel agency as the missing British citizens were also out of contact.

Three US citizens, two Portuguese nationals, two Italians and a Dutch citizen were missing.

The tourism board announced that a total of 93 Nepalis were missing.

About 100 others linked to travel agencies and whose nationalities are not confirmed are also believed to be unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, the US government has pledged US$500,000 in emergency assistance to Nepal, the State Department said.

"The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal," the agency said, adding that Washington is deploying a disaster response advisor to the region. (AFP)



Edited by Altis Wong