Devastating flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa region have killed 160 people and destroyed towns and villages, Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said in Kathmandu on Thursday. Thousands remain missing after powerful flows of mud and water swept through settlements, while many families were left homeless within hours, he said at the NDTV World Anvixha Summit.

Khanal said at least 500 foreign nationals could not be contacted, including at least 300 Indian citizens. Many of the missing Indians were using the route toward Tibet for the Manas Sarovar pilgrimage. Nepal’s government is maintaining round-the-clock contact with embassies of different countries and says it is committed to the safety and welfare of foreign citizens.

The minister said rescuing stranded people and delivering emergency relief were the government’s immediate priorities. He thanked India for sending assistance and said many countries had stood beside Nepal. Khanal also called for global support for reconstruction, while saying much of Nepal remained safe and unaffected. Pokhara and the Mount Everest region remain open to tourists, he said, urging international visitors to continue travelling to support the economy.