A catastrophic landslide in Nepal triggered devastating flash floods that have left hundreds of people missing, including at least 34 Australians. According to Nepali police, 579 individuals are unaccounted for, with 466 of them being foreign nationals from 28 different countries.
The incident began at 8:37 a.m. local time when a landslide, caused by a large portion of a glacier snout breaking off, struck near the Nepal-Tibet border. This landslide then triggered an avalanche and caused a colossal glacier to snap, leading to the destructive flooding. The deluge carved a path of destruction for nearly 30 miles, from China-controlled Tibet down into the Nepali town of Trishuli, obliterating homes, bridges, and infrastructure.
Harrowing footage from the scene depicts fast-flowing floodwaters ripping through streets and carrying away everything in their path. Walls of water burst river banks, sweeping people away while others sought safety on higher ground. Entire buildings were buried in the muddy deluge, with only rooftops visible in the devastated landscape. Rescue efforts have been underway, with army personnel, police officers, and power workers among those missing, with 44 army personnel, 28 police officers, 13 armed police officers, and 60 power workers unaccounted for.
As of Wednesday evening, 157 bodies had been recovered, and authorities anticipate that the casualty count will rise. Among the deceased is a three-month-old baby, and injured individuals include children as young as 12 and 14, and two three-year-olds who are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country.
The U.S. State Department has stated it is aware of American citizens affected by the floods and is working with local authorities to provide aid. A spokesperson emphasized that the safety and security of Americans are the department's top priority. The U.S. Geological Survey disputed preliminary reports from Nepal suggesting a magnitude 4.4 earthquake had caused the event.
In the Tibet region of China, at least three people have been confirmed dead and more than 250 are missing. A mudslide also hit China's Gyrirong port, prompting President Xi Jinping to order all-out search efforts.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed the nation's shock and distress over the loss of life and property, offering condolences to the victims and their families. He stated that the government had immediately mobilized all its resources for rescue operations.
Local tour guide Sonam Dorjee described the sound of the flash flood as being like an earthquake, recounting that his own house had collapsed. He confirmed that his sister, her husband, and several other family members are missing.
