Catastrophic flooding and landslides on the Nepal-Tibet border have unleashed waves of water and debris, resulting in the deaths of at least 180 people and leaving hundreds more unaccounted for. The disaster struck on Wednesday morning, with torrents of water and debris crashing downstream on both sides of the border. Surveillance video from the Chinese side captured a wall of mud and water overwhelming a building, as terrified people fled the scene.
Unfolding Tragedy
In Nepal, the surge of water impacted villages and towns along the paths of two rivers: the Bhote Koshi and the Trishuli. The disaster was initially reported as a flood on the Nepali side and a mudslide by Chinese authorities. At least 180 people have been confirmed dead, with 177 fatalities in Nepal and three in Tibet. Chinese authorities reported 'major casualties' and an additional 558 people missing, including 260 foreigners.
On the Nepali side, authorities stated that 468 tourists, 393 of them foreigners, were unaccounted for. The missing individuals include citizens from India, Ukraine, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries. Australia reported that 34 of its citizens were missing in Nepal, along with 93 Nepali citizens. Additionally, 77 pilgrims from around the world were at the Nepal-China border immigration office when the flood struck, according to Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru.
International Response and Aid
In the wake of the disaster, promises of aid and assistance have been forthcoming. The United States pledged $500,000 in emergency assistance, and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies released $1.4 million. David Fisher, the Nepal head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, emphasized the priority of reaching affected communities and providing assistance to those who have lost their homes, suffered injuries, or have been cut off.
The European Union activated its Copernicus satellite surveillance system to aid recovery efforts and expressed readiness to provide further assistance. The World Health Organization dispatched emergency medical supplies. Neighboring India sent an initial 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance. The explanation for the calamity has evolved, but it appears to be linked to a collapsing glacier.
Within hours of the flooding, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal indicated that an earthquake likely triggered a landslide, which in turn blocked a river and sent water gushing downstream. China also reported a landslide, stating that a border hub between Tibet and Nepal had been hit by a surge of debris. However, the US Geological Survey later updated its conclusion, stating that the seismic activity initially reported as an earthquake was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow that caused subsequent catastrophic impacts downstream.
