Rescue Operations Expand as Flood Death Toll in Nepal and Tibet Surpasses 900
More than 900 people have been confirmed dead and over 4,700 are missing after flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse in the Himalayas, prompting intensified rescue efforts.
Authorities in Nepal and China have stepped up rescue operations after flash floods caused by a glacial collapse killed at least 900 people and left more than 4,700 missing.
"We are working in search and rescue of the stranded people from hills, settlements and river areas," said Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet, the Nepal army spokesperson. Multiple foreign teams are assisting local crews, focusing on workers trapped in hydropower tunnels, where officials estimate about 90 people remain confined.
The Nepal disaster agency reported 903 deaths and 4,247 missing persons, including 592 foreign nationals. Chinese officials said 16 deaths and 546 missing, with 261 of the missing identified as foreigners, among them over a hundred Nepalis.
Scientists analyzing satellite data said the disaster began on Wednesday when a rockfall caused a glacier high in the Himalayas to collapse, generating a magnitude-5.2 seismic signal. The resulting surge of water and debris flooded valleys in both Tibet and Nepal, destroying buildings, bridges and infrastructure.