At least 160 dead and hundreds more missing after flash floods sweep through Nepal-China border

Heavy flash floods in a border region between Nepal and China resulted in at least 160 deaths and hundreds of people missing on Wednesday. The disaster occurred suddenly, cutting off travel and overwhelming communities in the warming Himalayan region. Experts believe the cause was a glacial collapse.

Nepal reported 157 fatalities, while China's state broadcaster CCTV stated three deaths and 265 missing in Gyirong County, near the national border. Drone footage showed roads and buildings destroyed, with water appearing like wet cement. Images from Nepal's Nuwakot district depicted mud covering second floors of buildings, debris hanging from trees, and vehicles buried.

Dhunge bazaar was flooded within half an hour of the torrent's arrival, damaging the market. Shoyam Rajbhandari, a resident, described the suddenness of the flood, saying people were preparing for work when it struck.

At least 403 people, including 341 foreigners, were reported missing in Nepal. The tourism board stated 133 were Indian pilgrims on their way to Mount Kailash, a holy site for Hindus. Among the missing were 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons, and 24 Canadians. Nepal's State Department acknowledged the presence of American citizens among those affected.

Nepal police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle reported 28 missing police officials. Authorities advised residents in several districts to avoid the banks of the Trishuli, Bhotekoshi, and Narayani rivers. At least 19 bridges and 40 kilometers of road were washed away, with the Bhotekoshi River flooding and destroying villages and hydropower projects.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Kathmandu but later determined it was a 5.2 magnitude glacial collapse. The USGS cited data from seismic stations, long period seismic waves, and satellite imagery in its analysis. There was no recorded earthquake.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Nepal, with teams coordinating on rescue and relief efforts. The U.N. and several countries, including Australia, Britain, and the European Union, expressed solidarity and offered support. Climate experts attributed the disaster to an avalanche from a glacier, emphasizing the need for early warnings in a warming Himalaya.