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Rescue efforts underway after huge floods in Nepal and Tibet

An aerial photograph showing flooding.Image source, Getty Images
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Flash floods hit earlier this week

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King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent a message of support to people affected by severe flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet.

The US Geological Survey said that the flooding was likely to have been caused by part of a glacier high in the Himalayan mountains collapsing, sending shockwaves and debris into the valleys and rivers below.

This then pushed large volumes of water and mud downstream, causing the severe flooding.

Hundreds of people have been killed and lots more are missing.

But rescue teams are working hard to find people and bring them to safety and many have been rescued already.

Two people walking with a rescue dog through an area that has been affected by the flood.Image source, Getty Images
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Rescue teams, including dogs, are working hard to bring people to safety

The flood hit early on Wednesday in Rasuwa which is just north of Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu.

Since then, rescue teams have been working round the clock to bring people to safety.

Hundreds of people have been rescued so far.

Lots of people have been helping in other ways too, including sending aid or donating to charities helping people affected.

King Charles and Queen Camilla standing beside each other. He is wearing a beige suit and burgundy patterned tie. She is wearing a green and white dress.Image source, Getty Images
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The King explained that he and Queen Camilla are thinking of the people affected

The King says he and Queen Camilla are "heartbroken" by the flash floods.

He said: "Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world.

"We feel deeply for the many families awaiting anxiously the news of friends and relations."

He also expressed sympathies to families who have lost loved ones.

Andy Burnham wearing a black shirt and blazer. He has dark brown hair and wears glasses.Image source, Getty Images
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has offered to send help from the UK to Nepal

The Prince and Princess of Wales also expressed their shock, saying they were "thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster".

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK has offered £5 million to help the Nepalese government following the floods.

The government in the UK has urged people in Nepal to follow local guidance and remain alert.