Glacial collapse triggers deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet

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Started 16D · Updated 15D

A catastrophic flash flood triggered by a glacial collapse has killed at least 270 people and left more than 1,300 missing along the Nepal-Tibet border, according to officials. The disaster struck on Wednesday when a section of a glacier broke off, sending a torrent of water, ice, mud, and rock down the Bhote Koshi River valley, devastating communities in Nepal's Rasuwa district and Tibet's Gyirong county.

What happened

The flood, which occurred without rain, was initially attributed to an earthquake, but the US Geological Survey later identified a glacial collapse as the cause, registering a magnitude 5.2 seismic event. Scientists say the collapse likely involved a lower part of a glacier near Langtang Lirung peak, which plunged about 1,200 meters, gathering debris and temporarily damming the Lhende Khola river before the dam burst. Water levels in the Trishuli River rose by as much as 9 meters in 30 minutes.

The toll

Nepal reported at least 270 deaths and over 800 missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims.
Tibet confirmed three deaths and 558 missing in Gyirong county.
India said 288 nationals are missing, including 73 working on the Trishuli One Power Project.

The response

Rescue teams from Nepal, China, and India are using helicopters and drones, but damaged roads and bridges are hampering efforts. Singapore has deployed a crisis response team and pledged S$50,000 in aid. India is providing humanitarian assistance and mobilizing Bailey bridges.

What's next

Scientists caution against directly linking this event to climate change, but note that rising temperatures are increasing the risk of such disasters in the Himalayas. The disaster has also disrupted the crucial China-Nepal trade route, with Gyirong Port handling nearly 30% of bilateral trade in 2024.

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