At least 165 people have died after devastating floods and landslides struck the Himalayan border region. Nearly 1,500 people remain missing after the disaster.
The death toll rrises as rescue teams continue searching remote mountain communities. Authorities are facing major challenges due to damaged roads and infrastructure.
The disaster began when a huge mass of mud and rocks collapsed into a river. The collapse triggered a powerful surge of water, ice and debris.
The rushing debris swept through several mountainous areas. Homes, vehicles, roads and power facilities were destroyed or buried under thick mud.
In Nepal, officials said 157 bodies had been recovered so far. Authorities are working to identify the victims and locate those still missing.
Around 826 people remain missing in Nepal. The missing people include hundreds of foreign nationals visiting the region.
Officials said tourists from India, the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada are among those missing. The affected area is popular with tourists, trekkers and pilgrims.
Many travelers use the route while heading toward the Kailash Mansarovar region in Tibet. The remote terrain has made rescue and recovery operations especially difficult.
Across the border, Chinese authorities reported hundreds of people missing in Tibet’s Gyirong county. Foreign nationals are also believed to be among the missing.
At least three deaths have been reported in the Chinese-controlled area. South Korea said eight of its citizens working at a hydropower project remain missing.
Initial reports suggested a magnitude 4.4 earthquake may have contributed to the disaster. The earthquake may have triggered the collapse of a glacier-covered slope.
The landslide reportedly sent ice, rocks and other debris into the Lhende River. Preliminary satellite assessments placed the landslide about 20 kilometers northeast of a border crossing.
Rescue teams are using helicopters to search for survivors. They are also delivering emergency supplies and evacuating people trapped in isolated areas.
Damaged roads have slowed access to affected communities. Communications networks and electricity systems have also suffered extensive damage.
China has deployed drones to assess the destruction from the air. Authorities have also prepared aircraft, helicopters and other rescue equipment.
The death toll rrises as authorities continue operations on both sides of the border. Officials have warned that the number of casualties could change.
Flood concerns have also spread downstream into India. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar issued alerts over possible floodwaters.
Thousands of people in Bihar have already been moved to safer locations. Officials are preparing additional evacuations as the situation develops.
Rescue agencies continue to focus on locating missing people and providing emergency assistance. The scale of destruction remains significant across the mountainous region.
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