Members of the Nepalese community in Kent have sent messages of hope and comfort to those impacted by the devastating flash flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border.

Nepalese authorities reported 177 people have died and more than 800 are missing, including 33 UK tourists.

The president of the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, Dr Bishal Nath Upreti, said the situation was so dire that "whole villages had been wiped out" and likened the flooding to a "tsunami from the sky".

Medway Council's Nina Gurung, who is a representative of the Gurkha-Nepalese community in the county, told BBC Radio Kent the situation was "absolutely shocking and devastating".

"We are trying to get further updates from families and friends back home to support each other and see what we can do here in the UK," she said.

Gurung said despite the overwhelming situation, members of the community were doing whatever they could to show solidarity and send out a message to those impacted to "stay strong".

Nearly 180 people have died and more than 800 are missing, according to Nepalese authorities [Getty Images]
Nearly 180 people have died and more than 800 are missing, according to Nepalese authorities [Getty Images]

"We heard reports entire villages have been wiped out, impacting infrastructure including communications," Gurung added.

"I think because communications have been cut off, it has hampered rescue efforts."

Gurung said there was a glimmer of hope as survivors were "being pulled out waist-deep from mud".

"We pray for all those who lost their lives and we offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who died," Gurung added.

"We also pray for those who are still missing to be found safe, including those who are from the UK."

Kent's Nepalese community is sending messages of solidarity to their homeland [Getty Images]
Kent's Nepalese community is sending messages of solidarity to their homeland [Getty Images]

Flash floods caused rivers to burst their banks and spread thick mud across populated areas, burying houses and creating difficult conditions for rescuers.

Videos posted on social media showed flood waters surging through valleys as people screamed in terror, with bridges being washed away.

Other videos showed people desperately fleeing uphill to escape the surging waters.

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