Pilgrims, mostly Indian, including 93 Nepalis, were preparing to cross into Tibet on Wednesday when a flash flood swept away roads and infrastructure in Rasuwa.

Nearly 400 pilgrims heading for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet, China, have been left out of contact in Rasuwagadhi after an early morning flash flood swept through villages and damaged roads and other critical infrastructure along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa.

Bashu Kumar Adhikari, managing director of Kathmandu-based Touch Kailash Travels & Tours, said 390 pilgrims, including 93 Nepalis, were scheduled to cross the border on Wednesday.

“Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3pm,” Adhikari said.

The pilgrims are clients of various travel agencies. Samrat Tours and Travels has 71 clients, Leaf Holidays 55, Kathmandu Holidays 17, Kailash Journey 31, Explore Vacation 7, Trekkers Society 92, Richa Tours 12, Fishtail Tour and Travels 27, Himalayan Glacier 62 and Alpine Eco Trek 16.

Sagar Pandey, president of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, said efforts were underway to establish contact with the pilgrims and assess their condition.

The flash flood struck Rasuwa early Wednesday, affecting settlements and critical infrastructure in the Rasuwagadhi area and disrupting movement along the key border route to Tibet.