Mudslides and flash floods cause fatalities in Nepal and France

Severe mudslides and flash flooding have caused significant casualties and destruction in both Nepal and France.

In the Himalayan mountains near the border between Nepal and China, flash floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have resulted in at least 538 deaths. Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate more than 1,500 missing persons, though operations are severely hindered by thick layers of black mud, destroyed transport and communication infrastructure, and damaged power grids. There is additional concern regarding a newly formed landslide dam containing approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of water, which poses a risk of further flooding.

In Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, France, extreme weather triggered a localized mudslide and landslide that impacted several people during a canyoning outing. Reports indicate at least two deaths occurred during the incident, prompting authorities to secure the area and reinforce safety warnings regarding mountain weather and riverbed risks.