Helicopter pilot describes what he's seen rescuing people in Nepal

A sudden landslide in a Himalayan river has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 362 lives and left over 1,400 people missing in Nepal and China's Tibet region. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly in challenging conditions to locate survivors, while authorities in Nepal reported that 359 people have already succumbed to the disaster.

Over 500 foreigners, originating from more than a dozen countries, remain missing among the 910 individuals reported missing in Nepal. Among the missing are tourists from the United States, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China. In Gyirong county, Tibet, authorities have documented 558 people as missing, including 260 foreign nationals.

Rescue efforts have proven to be a daunting task due to the extensive damage to roads and bridges, making it difficult to access the affected regions. Helicopters, both government and private, have been deployed to transport survivors to hospitals for treatment. The rescue operations have also provided essential supplies such as tents, food, and medicine to the affected districts, with the assistance of neighboring India.

Additionally, Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited one of the worst-hit districts to personally assess the situation.

Initial reports suggested that an earthquake may have triggered the collapse of a glacier, leading to the flash floods. However, the US Geological Survey clarified that the seismic event was actually the result of the glacial rock and ice breaking apart and causing a massive debris flow. Chinese authorities have expressed concern over a still-dammed lake in Gyirong, which could further complicate rescue operations in the area.

Many of the affected individuals were participating in a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, holy sites for Hindus, Buddhists, and followers of other faiths.