17 Dead, Dozens Missing in Nepal Flood

Surge of water sweeps away villagers, tourists
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 7, 2012 1:39 AM CDT
17 Dead, Dozens Missing in Nepal Flood
Nepalese villagers attempt to cross the Seti river over a suspension bridge damaged by the flash flood.   (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

A surge of water caused by a mountain river bursting its banks has killed at least 17 people and left 43 others missing in Nepal's central Annapurna region. The area is popular with foreign tourists and three Ukrainians are among the missing, reports the BBC. The flash flood, the worst the region has seen in years, came out of nowhere to sweep away people and livestock, witnesses say. "There was nothing unusual. People were enjoying picnics, some were relaxing in the hot spring pools by the river and others working," one witness says. "Out of nowhere came this swelling dark murky water with debris, sweeping away many people." (More Nepal stories.)

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