Kathmandu, Aug. 26 -- two persons have been confirmed dead and dozens remain missing after a flash flood in Bhotekoshi river swept through settlements across Rasuwa and neighbouring districts on Wednesday.

As many as 384 people, including 291 foreign nationals and 32 security personnel, have been out of contact, according to Nepal Tourism Board.

Riverside settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts are hit the hardest. "Entire settlements have been decimated, while banks, bridges, and markets have incurred major damages," said Krishna Prasad Humagain, Nuwakot's assistant chief district officer. Dozens of concrete bridges have been swept away. "There has never been this much damage in history."

Search and rescue teams have been deployed...