A massive glacial collapse has triggered catastrophic flash floods and mudslides along the Himalayan border of Nepal and China's Tibet region. A wall of mud, rock, and ice thundered down valleys, obliterating entire villages and sweeping away houses, roads, bridges, and power projects. The disaster, which hit on Wednesday, was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake, but the US Geological Survey later determined it was a glacial collapse and debris flow.
The death toll has risen to at least 359 people, with officials warning that the number is likely to increase. More than 1,500 people are reported missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists from countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and Ukraine. Some reports indicate that as many as 517 foreigners from 33 different countries are among those unaccounted for.
Rescue teams, including Nepali soldiers using sniffer dogs, are racing to locate survivors. While helicopters have been used to drop emergency supplies, some have been unable to land in affected areas due to high floodwaters. Survivors described the terrifying speed of the sludge and boulders, with one witness recounting how his wife was swept away by mud. In the Gyirong region, videos showed crushing masses of water swallowing people at a border crossing.
Scientists believe the disaster occurred when a huge chunk of a glacier broke off and temporarily dammed a river, causing water levels to surge up to 27 feet in 30 minutes. Experts note that rising global temperatures are putting increasing pressure on Himalayan glaciers, making the region more vulnerable to such collapses. Authorities remain on high alert as they warn that a lake formed at the site of the torrents is rising and at risk of bursting, which could trigger further flooding.