EU activates satellite surveillance system to aid Nepal flood recovery

Rescue workers scoured for missing individuals Thursday following a massive mud and rock wall collapse into a river on the Nepal-China Himalayan border, causing catastrophic flooding that swept through mountain towns and valleys, claiming lives. Officials from Nepal's tourism ministry disclosed that over 400 tourists, including 340 foreigners, were among the more than 400 people unaccounted for after the disaster, which struck a mountainous area known for trekking and pilgrimage.

So far, 157 bodies had been recovered, according to Nepal police. Disturbing videos showed immense quantities of water and debris sweeping away dozens of people at the border, with authorities in both nations fearing higher casualties and extensive destruction. Houses, roads, and power projects were washed away in Nepal, while Tibet officials expressed grave concern over potential high casualties following a mudslide that hit a border crossing in Gyirong county.

Keshav Prasad Baral, a 68-year-old survivor, recounted clinging to his wife's hand as the rising mud swept them away, only for her to be swept further away. Another survivor sought refuge on a mango tree while watching his house vanish. Early reports suggested the lower part of a glacier may have collapsed due to an earthquake, generating the debris and flooding.

U.S. Geological Survey later confirmed the earthquake was generated by glacial rock and ice collapse, and the flow of debris. Many victims were on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, a revered high-altitude site in Tibet by Hindus, Buddhists, and others. 47 missing tourists were from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, and 24 from Canada.

The U.S. State Department vowed to closely monitor the situation, while Canada expressed devastation, calling the floods absolutely devastating. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged U.N. teams and partners to mobilize supplies and personnel in Nepal to aid affected communities. China reported three deaths and 265 missing in Gyirong, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Australia reported 34 missing Australians, and South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan also reported missing nationals. Security footage revealed many fleeing before the flood destroyed buildings and vehicles, while locals gathered outside a Nepali army training center seeking information on their missing relatives. Houses, trees, and vehicles were submerged or buried in the mudslides, with helicopters hovering overhead rescuing survivors.

The initial study of satellite imagery indicated glacial ice and rock collapse triggered the debris-laden flood in the Lhende River, about 12 miles northeast of the Nepal-China border. Rescue helicopters struggled to land in the affected areas due to high river flow. The collapse of homes, floating cars, and a metal bridge were captured on TV, with witnesses reporting entire villages engulfed by the water.

Tula Bahadur BK, a health worker, lamented the complete destruction of settlements near the river and the loss of five of his relatives. China's Xinhua news agency reported the mudslide hit the Gyirong port, cutting roads, communications, and power links in the Shigatse region. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful in reaching the Gyirong border port, as all roads leading to the crossing were destroyed.

Flood alerts were issued in northern Indian states bordering Nepal, anticipating the potential impact of the muddy waters flowing down the mountains into the plains.