Nepal-Tibet floods: What happened, what caused them and who is missing?
Summary
A glacier collapsed in the Himalayas, causing floods and mudslides along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday. At least 160 people died, and about 1,500 are still missing in Nepal and Tibet, including many foreign tourists. Rescue efforts are ongoing but are difficult due to damaged roads and high water levels.Key Facts
- The disaster began when part of a glacier broke off at about 5,200 meters (17,000 feet) elevation and fell 1,200 meters (3,900 feet).
- The ice and rock slide blocked a river in Tibet, creating a natural dam that later burst, causing floods downstream.
- The floods struck areas mainly in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and Tibet’s Gyirong County.
- At least 157 people died in Nepal and 3 in Tibet, with 826 missing in Nepal and 558 in Tibet.
- Nearly 800 of the missing people are foreign nationals.
- High river levels, mud, and damaged roads are slowing rescue operations.
- Initial reports suggested an earthquake caused the collapse, but the US Geological Survey says the landslide itself created seismic signals.
- Floodwaters raised river levels by up to 9 meters (27 feet) in 30 minutes in some areas.
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