KATHMANDU: Nepal and China initially reported at least 168 deaths combined after a destructive flash floods swept through communities along Nepal’s northern border with Tibet. Nepal accounted for most of the confirmed deaths, while Chinese authorities reported deaths and hundreds of missing people in Tibet’s Gyirong County.
More than 1,300 people remained unaccounted for across both sides of the border, according to an Associated Press report based on information from Nepalese and Chinese authorities.
Pilgrims caught near a major border route
The affected area includes routes used by tourists and pilgrims travelling from Nepal to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
Syabrubesi and the Rasuwagadhi-Gyirong border area were among the places badly affected. These areas serve as gateways for visitors heading toward Tibet.
Several groups reportedly lost contact after floodwater, mud and debris damaged roads and communication networks.
Authorities have warned that being listed as missing does not always mean that a person has been physically swept away. Some travelers may be stranded in areas without mobile service or electricity.
However, the large number of people still unreachable has caused growing concern among families and foreign governments.
Death toll reaches 168 as figures change
Nepal and China initially reported at least 168 deaths combined. Nepal accounted for most of the confirmed deaths, while Chinese authorities reported deaths and hundreds of missing people in Tibet’s Gyirong County.
More than 1,300 people remained unaccounted for across both sides of the border, according to an Associated Press report based on information from Nepalese and Chinese authorities.
The figures may continue to change as authorities compare tourism records, immigration lists and reports from tour operators. Later reports also placed the number of missing Indian nationals higher than the initial count of 133.
Glacier collapse investigated as possible cause
Early assessments suggest that a large glacier or mass of ice and rock collapsed into a Himalayan valley.
The impact sent water, mud, rocks and other debris rushing downstream at high speed. The United States Geological Survey said seismic activity first believed to be an earthquake was linked to a landslide or glacial collapse.
Scientists are still examining the event and the conditions that caused it.
Helicopters join difficult mountain search
Nepal deployed thousands of police officers, soldiers and emergency workers. Helicopters were used to rescue survivors and deliver supplies because many roads and bridges were no longer passable.
Chinese rescue teams were also searching communities around Gyirong.
India sent humanitarian supplies to Nepal as authorities worked to confirm the locations of missing citizens.
What families and travelers should know
Families seeking information should contact India’s Ministry of External Affairs or the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Travelers should postpone trips to the affected border routes and follow official advisories. Casualty and missing-person figures remain provisional while search and identification work continues.
