Flash Flood Disaster in Nepal and Tibet Leaves Scores Dead, Hundreds Missing

A catastrophic flash flood swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday after a collapse of ice, rock and mud sent a massive surge through Himalayan valleys. Nepalese authorities said the death toll could rise beyond 270, while more than 1,000 people remained missing across the two regions, including hundreds of foreign travellers and pilgrims.

Rescue teams used helicopters to search for survivors and deliver food, tents and other emergency supplies to communities cut off by the disaster. More than 5,000 Nepali army and police personnel joined the operation, while dozens of bodies were recovered downstream. China reported 558 people missing in Tibet’s Gyirong county, including 260 foreign nationals.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected area as authorities warned that a nearby glacial lake, already overflowing, could pose another major threat if its natural dam breaks. The disaster struck along a key route between Kathmandu and Lhasa, used by trekkers and pilgrims travelling toward the sacred Kailash Mansarovar region. India, the United States, Canada and the United Nations have pledged assistance as rescue and relief efforts continue.

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