Nearly 600 killed by flash floods in Nepal

A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall has killed nearly 600 people in Nepal and parts of China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region, according to official reports. The disaster occurred along the border area, with floodwaters forming a large lake that has since overflowed, raising concerns about further flooding downstream. The death toll in Nepal alone stands at 579, while confirmed fatalities in both countries combined total almost 600. The incident began on Wednesday when a powerful landslide swept through two rivers, tearing through communities for more than 170 kilometers. The US Geological Survey identified the cause as a glacier collapse, which unleashed a torrent of water and mud. Rescue operations were temporarily halted due to fears of additional flooding, but efforts resumed on Chinese territory after authorities deemed the risk manageable. The Chinese state television reported that the threat posed by the overflowing dam-like structure near the border had been assessed as controllable. In Nepal, local officials have confirmed that the water level in the river has risen, though exact measurements remain unclear. Authorities are monitoring conditions upstream of the flooded areas and rely on satellite imagery to assess the situation. Plans are underway to install cameras and sensors downstream to track changes in water levels. Officials emphasize that the danger persists until the reservoir fully drains. Over 90,000 people are estimated to have been affected by the landslip, according to the Red Cross. David Fisher, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ delegation in Nepal, expressed concern over potential secondary floods. He noted that relief vehicles carrying supplies have become blocked by the overflowing waters created by the landslide. More than 1,000 individuals have been evacuated from the disaster zone, including 555 tourists. A four-person German family was among those rescued. Over 1,900 people remain missing, with many foreign nationals among them. A low double-digit number of Germans are still unaccounted for, alongside 33 British citizens and approximately 320 Indians. Despite international offers of assistance, Nepal stated on Friday that it does not require foreign aid for search and rescue operations. Chinese officials warned that the volume of the newly formed lake could increase to around three million cubic meters within the next three days due to continued rain. If the lake overflows, the resulting floodwaters could cause further damage in the affected region, including the border crossing of Gyirong and other areas downstream. The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources issued the warning, citing potential risks to infrastructure and populated areas. The disaster has left entire villages submerged and roads impassable. Local authorities continue to coordinate with emergency services to ensure safe evacuation routes and provide shelter for displaced residents. While immediate rescue efforts focus on recovering bodies and rescuing survivors, long-term recovery will depend on assessments of structural damage and environmental impact. As the situation evolves, both nations are preparing for the challenges ahead, balancing urgent humanitarian needs with broader disaster management strategies.