Nepal is grappling with what officials are calling "devastation beyond imagination" after a catastrophic glacier collapse triggered a powerful flood, described as a "tsunami from the sky," in the Rasuwa region. The incident has left hundreds of people missing and thousands feared dead.
Bishal Nath Upreti, an academic from Tribhuvan University's Department of Geology, characterized the event as one of Nepal's largest disasters. He stated that the collapse unleashed waves estimated to be between 100 and 200 meters high and released approximately 20 million cubic meters of water. Images from the scene depict widespread destruction.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development has issued a warning that the disaster could lead to a secondary flooding event. Large amounts of debris have entered the region's river systems, raising concerns about potential dangerous blockages. Experts are currently assessing whether the Trishuli River has been temporarily dammed in its narrower sections, which could create a risk of another major flood.
Nepal's disaster agency reported that 823 individuals, including 579 tourists from Nepal and abroad, are unaccounted for. In Tibet, Chinese state media referred to the event as a "mudslide disaster," reporting three fatalities and 558 missing, including 260 foreigners.
Anxious families have gathered at hospitals and police help desks in Kathmandu, desperately seeking information about missing loved ones. Subash Khatani is among those searching for his elder brother, Ram Sharan Rasaili, who is among the unaccounted for in Rasuwa. Chitra Bahadur Nepali is also looking for his nephew, Yubraj Sewak, a driver who lost contact while traveling towards the affected district. Bir hospital has stated it will treat all victims free of charge and is prepared for an influx of patients.
