Rescuers are searching for 19 people missing in severe flooding in Nepal that swept away a key bridge connecting the country with China.

At least eight people were killed and over two dozen were missing after the Bhote Koshi River flooded, washing away the "Friendship Bridge" that links China and Nepal, officials said on Tuesday.

Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in Nepal, sweeping away a key bridge connecting the country with China and leaving 20 missing