Himalayan Glacial Flood Kills Nearly 390 as Over 1,400 Remain Missing in Nepal and Tibet

A massive collapse of glacial rock and ice in the Himalayas triggered severe flash floods across parts of Nepal and southern Tibet, leaving nearly 390 people dead and more than 1,400 missing. Search and rescue operations faced severe obstacles on Thursday due to washed-out bridges, destroyed roads, and disrupted communications across the rugged border region.

Nepalese authorities reported at least 389 fatalities, while at least three deaths were confirmed in China’s Tibet region. More than 1,400 people remain unaccounted for, including 910 in Nepal and 558 in Tibet’s Gyirong county. Among the missing in Nepal are over 500 foreign nationals, including 177 from India, 90 from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, and 25 from Canada. China’s foreign ministry reported that 100 Chinese nationals are missing in Nepal, while Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said 260 foreign nationals are missing in Gyirong county. Many of those unaccounted for were trekkers or pilgrims visiting high-altitude sites such as Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Initial assessments by Nepalese officials suggested an earthquake triggered the collapse, but the US Geological Survey determined that recorded seismic energy was produced by the sudden fall of glacial ice and rock itself. Satellite analysis by Planet Labs showed a heavy surge of ice and rock flowing down the Lhende River, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. The flooding swept away entire riverside settlements, roads, and power infrastructure. “There is devastation everywhere we look,” said Tula Bahadur BK, a healthcare worker in Rasuwa. Disaster officials in Nepal warned that a newly formed lake at the flood site is rising and risks bursting.

More than 5,000 Nepalese police and military personnel joined rescue efforts, deploying private and military helicopters to evacuate the injured and drop emergency supplies provided by India. Downstream, Indian authorities evacuated thousands of people from border areas in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand as floodwaters threatened the Gandak River Basin. Political leaders, including Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, visited affected regions to oversee relief efforts. The United Nations announced $2 million in emergency funds, while the United States pledged $500,000 and a disaster response adviser.

Background

The Himalayan region contains thousands of high-altitude glaciers and glacial lakes, making it susceptible to flash floods, landslides, and outburst events. The terrain’s steep topography and sparse road network routinely complicate search and rescue operations during natural disasters. Furthermore, the border zone between Nepal and Tibet serves as a major corridor for cross-border trade, tourism, and religious pilgrimages, leaving international visitors and local populations alike vulnerable when sudden river surges occur.