160 bodies found, 133 Indians missing as ice-mud wall collapses in Nepal

A massive wall of ice, mud, and rock collapsed into a Himalayan river near the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, causing catastrophic floods that claimed the lives of 160 people and left at least 750 others unaccounted for. Indians made up the majority of the missing, with 133 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians still missing, most of them Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims.

The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue efforts continue. China reported at least three deaths and 265 missing in Gyirong County, near the border. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed solidarity with the affected people and pledged humanitarian assistance. China's state broadcaster stated that the disaster began after a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, which triggered a surge in the Bhotekoshi river.

The flooding was suspected to be a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) originating in Tibet. Tour operators reported that many missing pilgrims were traveling in buses led by guides when the flood occurred, with some buses managing to escape while others were swept away. Authorities in Nepal, India, and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert, preparing for the rapid advancement of floodwaters downstream.