A devastating disaster has struck Nepal after a sudden flood and landslides occurred just three minutes after an earthquake, leaving at least 157 people dead and 403 others missing. Most of those reported missing are believed to be foreign tourists.

The disaster struck on Wednesday (August 26) in Rasuwa and several surrounding districts of Bagmati Province in central Nepal.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that an earthquake struck at 8:37am local time, followed by flash floods at 8:40am. However, authorities have yet to confirm whether the floods and landslides were directly linked to the earthquake.

According to Nepal Police, 157 bodies have been recovered from flood-affected areas. The highest number of fatalities was reported in Chitwan, Dhading and Gorkha districts.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 403 people remained missing, including 341 foreign nationals. Among them were 133 Indians, 47 Americans and 33 British nationals. Authorities believe the missing people include citizens from at least 26 countries.

Strong currents swept away numerous riverside homes, while landslides disrupted road connections in several areas. The full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.

The Nepal Army has deployed helicopters and rescue teams to the affected areas. Search and rescue operations for the missing continue.

The same disaster has also caused extensive damage in Tibet, China. Chinese state media reported that three people were killed and at least 265 others remained missing in Gyirong. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered authorities to make every effort to rescue those still missing.