World News
Glacier collapse triggers deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet, leaving hundreds missing
At least 168 people were killed and nearly 1,300 remain missing, including dozens of foreign pilgrims visiting sacred sites around Mount Kailash.
The short version
- A glacier collapse caused severe flooding along the border between Nepal and Tibet, killing at least 168 people and leaving nearly 1,300 missing.
- More than 100 missing foreign visitors were attending a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a major sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
- Reported missing persons include citizens from India, the United States, Australia, Great Britain, and Canada.
- Emergency response and search efforts are underway in affected communities across the Himalayan border region.
Key facts
- Glacial flood waters killed at least 165 people and left 826 missing in Nepal, while three deaths and 558 missing were reported in Tibet.[Associated Press]
- The disaster was caused by a glacier collapse that funneled debris and floodwaters downstream into populated areas along the Nepal-China border.[Associated Press]
- More than 100 missing individuals were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, an important Himalayan peak in southwestern Tibet.[Associated Press]
- Nepal's tourism board reported missing foreign nationals, including 179 from India, 65 from the United States, 35 from Australia, 33 from Britain, and 25 from Canada.[Associated Press]
- Spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev stated that 77 travelers affiliated with the Isha Foundation were located at a Tibetan immigration center in Gyirong when the flooding hit.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The exact condition and location of the nearly 1,300 missing individuals remain unverified amid ongoing search operations.[Associated Press]