Nepal and China order full rescue after Himalayan flood kills 95
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A glacial lake outburst flood in Nepal's Rasuwa district and Tibet's Shigatse region killed at least 95 people and left hundreds missing. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all available forces to join search and rescue operations. The disaster destroyed bridges, hydropower stations, and roads, cutting power in several areas.
Key Facts
- At least 95 people died and hundreds are missing after a glacial lake outburst flood hit the Nepal-Tibet border area on the Bhote Koshi river.
- 384 tourists, including citizens of India, the US, the UK, Malaysia, and Australia, are among the missing, most of them pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash.
- 44 Nepali soldiers and 30 police officers involved in initial monitoring are missing in Nepal.
- Several hydropower stations were washed away or damaged, causing power outages in multiple regions.
- Indian states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh declared high alert due to overflowing of the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers.
The Disaster
A powerful flash flood triggered by a glacier collapse and rockfall into a tributary of the Bhote Koshi river swept away settlements, road bridges, hydropower stations, and roads. The main impact hit the high-altitude Rasuwa district in Nepal and the Shigatse region in Tibet. Rescue helicopters were unable to land in the epicenter settlements of Syapru Besi and Timure for a long time due to high water levels and poor visibility. Preliminary findings indicate the disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche on a glacier that blocked the Lhende Khola river, followed by a massive outburst of water and debris.
Casualties and Missing
At least 95 people were killed and hundreds are listed as missing, according to The Guardian. Among the missing are 384 tourists, including citizens of India, the US, the UK, Malaysia, and Australia, most of whom were pilgrims heading to the sacred Mount Kailash. In Nepal, 44 military personnel and 30 police officers who participated in initial monitoring are missing.
Response and Impact
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all forces to be deployed for search and rescue operations. Several hydropower stations were washed away or damaged, leading to power outages in several regions. Due to overflowing of the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers, Indian states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh declared high alert. Researchers note that the Himalayan region is warming faster than the rest of the planet, causing glacier melt in the Hindu Kush to accelerate twice as fast compared to the 2000s.
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Nepal and China order full rescue after Himalayan flood kills 95
