Nepal and China face massive missing persons count after glacial flood

A catastrophic flood triggered by a glacial collapse has devastated the border region between Nepal and Tibet, leaving more than 2,400 people missing. The disaster, described by the US Geological Survey as the deadliest in Nepal since the 2015 earthquake, involved a massive flow of ice and debris that swept away villages and river systems, including the Bhote Koshi, Lhende Khola, and Trishuli rivers.

As of the latest reports, hundreds of bodies have been recovered, with death tolls cited between 359 and 392. The missing persons list includes 933 hydropower workers, trekkers, and pilgrims. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also identified hundreds of missing foreign nationals from various countries, including India, the United States, Malaysia, Ukraine, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Rescue operations face significant challenges due to destroyed infrastructure, unstable slopes, and the threat of secondary flooding from newly formed lakes and burst water dams. In Tibet, Chinese authorities briefly suspended operations in Gyirong due to renewed flooding risks. Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered assistance to Nepal’s emergency operations to aid in the recovery efforts.