At least 20 dead in Nepal flood, 44 missing

Rescuers dug through mud and debris on Monday searching for bodies after a flash-flood swept through west Nepal killing at least 20 people and leaving dozens missing, police said. A torrent of water swept away scores of houses, vehicles and a bridge near the resort town of Pokhara, about 125 km (80 miles) west of Kathmandu, after an avalanche which had blocked the Seti River gave way. Forty-four people, including three Ukranian tourists, were still missing after the flood hit on Saturday, police said. Pokhara is the second-biggest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and is the gateway to Mount Annapurna, the world's 10th-highest peak. Tourists begin their trek to the scenic Annapurna region from Pokhara.