Flash Floods on China–Nepal Border Leave Hundreds Dead or Missing

Breaking tonight, massive rescue effort is underway along the border of Nepal and China. After flash floods have left at least 160 people dead, officials say more than 400 people are still missing, almost 350 of them foreign nationals, including 47 people from the U.S. Several villages have been totally destroyed, along with roads and hydropower projects. Foreign correspondent Jeff Paul has the story tonight from our London bureau. Good evening, Jeff. Yeah, good evening, Brett. Authorities fear with so many still missing, the number of those killed will likely rise, and we want to warn our viewers some of the images we're about to show you are disturbing. Seconds to find safety, people on Nepal's border with China running for their lives as a massive wall of water, mud, and debris comes crashing through. The powerful flash flood sweeping away cars, tearing apart buildings, and burying entire villages in its path. Hundreds, including some Americans, are missing, and the Red Cross says at least 10,000 families have lost their homes. Entire villages seem to be completely swept away. The force of this water was really intense. The disaster unfolding in Rasuwa, near the border with Tibet. The U.S. Geological Survey says a landslide struck moments before. One theory, part of a glacier broke off, triggering an avalanche of ice and rock, which in turn caused a flood. Many people were not able to escape, and many, many buildings and markets and villages were decimated. Crews are now racing to find survivors, but conditions could not be more difficult. Satellite images from before and after show overflowing rivers full of mud. Helicopter pilot Amam Budetaki was flying above the area as the flood struck. We could see everything being swept away, and we felt helpless. He says it was tough to watch while not being able to help those below. So seeing nature unfold like that, it was really hard for us, you know. We just wanted to get over there, help people out, and get the other rescuers there as soon as possible. The U.N. says warming temperatures are melting glaciers in the Himalayas faster than before, leading to avalanches and floods. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the State Department stands by ready to support Nepal. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Nepal is working to account for any U.S. citizens impacted by the floods. Amazing. Jeff Paul in London. Jeff, thanks.