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Glacier Collapse Triggers Deadly Nepal Flood
27 Aug
Summary
- A glacier collapse likely caused the flash flood in Nepal.
- At least 157 people died, with hundreds more missing.
- Five Japanese nationals are unaccounted for after the event.
A devastating flash flood struck Nepal's central Rasuwa district on the morning of August 26, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 157 people dead and hundreds missing. The Japanese Embassy in Nepal reported being unable to contact five Japanese nationals believed to be part of a tour group.
Authorities estimate 384 travelers, including 291 foreigners, are missing. Search and rescue operations are underway, involving the Nepalese military and police. The disaster has damaged homes, bridges, hydropower plants, and communication facilities in Rasuwa.
Damage also extended to China's Tibet Autonomous Region, where mudslides on August 27 resulted in three deaths and 558 missing, including 260 foreign nationals in Gyirong county. Satellite imagery suggests a significant glacier collapse northeast of Rasuwagadhi town initiated the event. Seismic data confirmed tremors equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 event were caused by this glacier collapse and subsequent debris flow.
