A glacial collapse triggered devastating flooding and landslides along Nepal’s northern border, with fresh flood risks emerging
The death toll from the devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal’s northern border region has risen to 469, Nepal Police said on Friday, as rescue teams continued searching for people missing after the disaster.
The floods struck mountainous areas on Wednesday, sending huge volumes of mud and water through northern Nepal and parts of Tibet. Military personnel and helicopters have been deployed for rescue, evacuation and search operations.
The disaster was initially suspected to have been triggered by an earthquake. However, the US Geological Survey attributed it to a glacial collapse, which sent ice, rocks and sediment into the river system and caused severe downstream flooding.
The threat of further flooding has now increased after China issued a Level-IV emergency alert over a barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources said the lake contained around 2 million cubic metres of water by Thursday morning and could expand to nearly 3 million cubic metres over the next three days amid continuing rainfall.
Large volumes of mud and water have damaged buildings, roads and vehicles, while the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers recorded sharp rises in water levels. Deaths have also been reported on the Tibetan side of the border.
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