What triggered the catastrophic flood on the Nepal-Tibet border?

At least nine people lost their lives in devastating floods that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday. Torrential rains caused roads, bridges, homes, and power projects to be submerged, while a mudslide hit Gyirong Port, a crucial land crossing between Nepal and Tibet, disrupting transportation and utilities.

The calamity is believed to have been triggered by an earthquake, which in turn caused an ice-rock avalanche on the Lhende Khola river stretching across both Nepal and Tibet. The river flows through both nations, amplifying the scale of the disaster.

Among the missing are 348 travelers from various countries, including 105 Indians, 93 Nepalis, three U.S. citizens, and 12 British citizens. Additionally, eight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant and 17 Malaysians, four South Africans, one Australian, and one Dutch national are also unaccounted for.

Authorities warn of a potential second flood due to a blockage still lodged upstream on the Lhende Khola river. Flood alerts have also been issued in neighboring Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as several rivers flow down the Himalayas into their plains.

Rescue operations are underway, but police and military personnel caution that helicopters cannot land in the affected areas until the waters recede. Residents in low-lying regions are being relocated to safer locations, and those living near the river are advised to remain vigilant.

China has dispatched 574 rescuers to the land crossing, but the flood sediment is proving challenging. India, along with South Korea, has offered assistance, with South Korea planning to send a rapid-response team comprising government officials and emergency personnel.