Key facts
- A glacial collapse in Nepal on August 26 caused a massive flash flood and landslide.
- The disaster affected Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
- Authorities report at least 359 deaths and 910 missing in Nepal.
- Chinese authorities reported three deaths and 558 missing.
- Villages, roads, bridges, and a hydropower plant were destroyed.
- Damage to communication networks is hindering rescue and assessment efforts.
A catastrophic glacial collapse in the Himalayas on August 26 triggered a massive flash flood and landslide, devastating areas in Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Authorities in Nepal reported at least 359 people dead and 910 missing as of August 27, with extensive destruction of villages, roads, and infrastructure, including 19 bridges and approximately 40 kilometers of roads washed away. The Bhotekoshi River overflowed, leading to a landslide that swept away homes, roads, bridges, and a hydropower plant. Foreign tourists and pilgrims were among those affected. On the Chinese side, authorities stated three people had died and 558 were missing. The full extent of the disaster remains unclear due to severe damage to communication networks. The event was initially reported as an earthquake but was later determined by the U.S. Geological Survey to be a magnitude 5.2 tremor caused by glacial rock and ice collapsing. Scientists believe a massive ice and rock debris flow plummeted from an altitude of about 17,000 feet into the Lhende Khola River valley, creating a rapidly moving slurry that cascaded over 60 miles. Rescue operations have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and high river levels, with helicopters being used to reach affected areas. Survivors described the terrifying speed and force of the mud and water, with some losing family members.