Guwahati, Aug. 27 -- At least 160 people have died, and nearly 500 remain missing after a massive flash flood originating in Tibet swept through parts of central Nepal on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across several districts.

Nepal Police reported at least 157 deaths, while China's state broadcaster CCTV reported three more deaths and 265 people missing in Tibet's Gyirong County, close to the Nepal border.

The disaster caused extensive damage in towns and villages, swept away bridges, and affected at least a dozen hydropower projects.

The latest flooding has also revived concerns over the vulnerability of communities along the Bhote Koshi River. The area was hit by two major floods last year, with the Bhotekoshi disaster i...