359 Dead and Over 1,300 Missing After Nepal Flash Floods From Glacial Collapse in Natural Disasters
Deadly flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 359 people, left more than 1,300 missing including hundreds of tourists, and prompted international rescue and aid responses amid natural disasters. [1] [2] [4]
Death Toll and Missing Persons Rise Sharply
The death toll from the floods has risen to at least 359, with more than 1,300 people missing, 644 of whom are tourists according to Nepali authorities. [1] At least 33 UK residents remain missing after the deadly flash floods hit Nepal following the outburst of a glacial lake in Tibet. [1] A Swiss woman who had been reported missing by the Nepal tourism authority following a flash flood between Nepal and China has been found alive. [4] Nine of ten isolated South Koreans from a hydropower project were moved to safety by helicopter while nine others remain missing. [2] The number of people missing in Nepal alone has risen to 826, bringing the total number of people missing in Nepal and China to more than 1,300. [4] Among the foreigners rescued and found are 30 other nationals from India, Italy, Bulgaria, the US, South Korea, Russia and those with as yet unknown nationalities. [4]
Cause Confirmed as Glacial Collapse
The flood hit early on Wednesday in Rasuwa, just north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu. [1] Preliminary information suggested it was caused by an earthquake, but the US Geological Survey said additional analysis indicated the seismic energy was instead generated by a landslide. [1] It said a magnitude 5.2 seismic event caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow occurred near the border at 08:37 local time on Wednesday. [1] The US Geological Survey has confirmed that a glacial collapse and debris flow caused the devastating impacts downstream. [2] Based on satellite imagery, the flash floods were likely triggered by melting glacial ice blocks in the Himalayas. [3] The cause of the flood is still under investigation, but following initial analyses of satellite images, the Nepalese Disaster Management Authority suspected that a glacial avalanche may initially have blocked a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, which rises in the Tibetan highlands. [4]
British Nationals Missing on Pilgrimage
The King says he and Queen Camilla are heartbroken by the deadly flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border, as 33 people from the UK are missing including a 13-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy. [1] The Prince and Princess of Wales also expressed their shock, saying they were thinking of everyone caught up in this terrible disaster. [1] Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK has offered £5m to help the Nepalese government following the floods, adding it was a very distressing and devastating situation. [1] King Charles said that he and the Queen were sending their most profound sympathy to all those who have so tragically lost their loved ones. [1] Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world, the King's statement continued. [1] Tour companies including Alpine Eco Trek, The Trekkers' Society, Himalayan Glacier US, Kailash Journeys and Fishtail Tours have reported missing British nationals while on trips with the companies. [1] Alpine Eco Trek said it has not been able to establish contact with 12 Britons who were booked on a tour to Mount Kailash and were in the region when the flash floods struck. [1] The Trekkers' Society said nine UK nationals on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash are missing after they crossed the Nepal-Tibet border. [1] Himalayan Glacier US had 47 guests on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, with two in the group being British citizens. [1] Kailash Journeys reported 27 guests and staff were missing, with two British men in the group. [1] Fishtail Tours said one British person on its tour was missing. [1]
South Korean Workers Evacuated and Still Missing
Nine of 10 South Koreans who had been isolated following massive flooding in Nepal were moved to safety Thursday, while one remains at the affected site, Seoul's foreign ministry said. [2] The 10 South Koreans affiliated with plant builder Doosan Enerbility Co. had been staying at a temporary shelter after evacuating the area, along with about 200 foreign employees working on a hydropower plant construction project in Nepal's Rasuwa district. [2] Nine of the 10 were transported by a Nepalese military helicopter to a safer area earlier in the day, while the remaining South Korean, a Doosan site manager, stayed at the construction site. [2] Separately, nine other South Koreans — six Doosan employees and three of the state-run Korea South-East Power Co. — remain unaccounted for after a massive flash flood and mudslide struck the area Wednesday. [2] Earlier in the day, the 11-member rapid response team, comprising officials from the foreign ministry, police and fire authorities, departed for Nepal and is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu that evening. [2] The government decided to dispatch an Air Force KC-330 transport aircraft to support the search and rescue operation in Nepal. [2] Foreign Minister Cho Hyun suggested the government could send a larger-scale rescue team to Nepal, if necessary. [2] Cho held phone talks with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and expressed condolences to the Nepalese people affected by the disaster. [2] President Lee Jae Myung instructed officials to make all-out efforts to safeguard the people's lives and safety by mobilizing all available resources. [2]
International Aid and Condolences
Switzerland is providing around $1 million via the United Nations for humanitarian aid in Nepal. [4] Swiss President Guy Parmelin said he was deeply saddened by the devastating floods and paid tribute to the victims and their families. [4] The Swiss aid organisations Helvetas and the Red Cross have now launched emergency relief operations. [4] The aid organisation Helvetas has sent a team to the disaster area and has allocated CHF100,000 for this purpose. [4] The Swiss Red Cross, with the support of the federal government, is providing a further CHF50,000 for emergency aid. [4] Singapore deployed a crisis response team, pledged S$50,000 in aid, and warned of secondary flood risk on the Bhote Koshi river. [5] The Singapore Red Cross has pledged S$50,000 in humanitarian aid to support response and relief efforts. [5] Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore will put together a humanitarian assistance package to support relief efforts in Nepal. [5] Indonesia expressed condolences with no nationals reported affected. [3] The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has extended its condolences to the people and governments of China and Nepal following devastating flash floods in the Gyirong border region. [3] The ministry affirmed Indonesia’s full support for the ongoing search, rescue, and relief operations conducted by Chinese and Nepalese authorities. [3]
Ongoing Risks and Rescue Challenges
Nepali authorities warn of possible secondary flooding near the Bhote Koshi river, with bridges destroyed, power outages, and difficult access hindering rescue efforts. [1] [2] The prime minister and the Foreign Office in the UK have urged people to follow local guidance and remain alert to the changing situation, as officials in Nepal warn of a possible secondary flood risk near the Bhote Koshi river. [1] Access to the affected area is difficult due to the widespread damage and rugged terrain. [2] Nepali authorities have warned that a blockage remains upstream on the Nepal-China border river, potentially creating the risk of a second flood. [5] Singaporeans in affected areas are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow instructions from local authorities. [5] The ministry has strongly advised all Indonesians in the affected regions to remain vigilant and strictly follow directives issued by local authorities. [3] Swiss nationals in the area are advised to follow the instructions of the local authorities. [4]
What to watch next: Officials continue to monitor the risk of a second flood from the blockage upstream on the Nepal-China border river while search and rescue operations proceed amid difficult access and rugged terrain.
