Nepal and Tibet border hit by deadly floods and landslides

Massive flash floods and landslides triggered by a partial glacial collapse have caused widespread devastation along the border between Nepal and the Tibet autonomous region of China. The disaster has resulted in at least 392 confirmed deaths and left more than 1,400 people missing.

In Nepal, authorities have recovered 389 bodies, with 910 people reported missing, including 517 foreign tourists. The flooding heavily impacted the Trishuli River valley in the Nuwakot district and the Bhote Koshi valley east of Kathmandu. In the Chinese region of Tibet, state media reported three deaths and 558 missing persons, including 260 foreigners, specifically noting the impact at the Gyirong border pass.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the event as a 5.2 magnitude seismic event due to the violence of the glacial collapse. Experts warn of the ongoing risk of further flooding. Scientists have noted that climate change is accelerating glacier melting globally, increasing the frequency and severity of such hydrological disasters.