A catastrophic wall of water has swept through a heavily trafficked area of Nepal, killing at least 31 people and leaving hundreds missing in villages.
The tsunami-like wave was triggered by an earthquake that caused a large landslide to block a river, sending a torrent of water downstream.
Video from the Nepal-China border shows people fleeing for their lives as the massive wave crashes down, overwhelming villages in its path.
Rescue helicopters attempted to land in affected areas but were forced to turn back due to dangerously high water levels.
Regional Impact and Response
CNN reports that a mudslide also hit Tibet in China, about 400 miles from Nepal, with Chinese media warning of 'major casualties' at Gyirong port.
China's President Xi Jinping has requested an 'all-out' search for survivors in the affected region.
The U. S.
Embassy in Nepal expressed deep sadness over the loss of life in Rasuwa district and urged U. S.
citizens to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas, seeking higher ground.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the devastation becomes clear.
