Hundreds of people are confirmed dead and over a thousand are missing in Nepal following catastrophic flash floods that tore through the Himalayan border region with China. Among those unaccounted for are at least 65 American citizens, according to officials.
As of Thursday morning, the death toll had climbed to at least 332, with the full extent of the devastation still unfolding. The disaster is believed to have been triggered by a massive glacial collapse on Wednesday, sending an estimated 20 million cubic meters of ice, rock, and water cascading through the Trishuli River.
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The Rasuwa District in Nepal experienced the most severe impact, with floodwaters reportedly reaching heights of up to 650 feet and leaving a path of destruction. Villages and critical infrastructure across the Langtang mountain range were decimated. Nepali officials described the event as a "tsunami from the sky," highlighting the immense scale of the destruction.
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Rescue operations are underway across the affected areas. The Nepal Tourism Board has reported rescuing at least 27 foreign nationals, including two American citizens, a man and a woman in their 50s.
The U.S. Embassy in Nepal confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and working to account for American citizens. The U.S. Department of State announced it is deploying a Disaster Response Advisor to the region and providing $500,000 in assistance through Catholic Relief Services to support flood-affected communities with emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
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Concerns remain about a potential secondary flooding event. Chinese authorities have warned of a significant landslide dam that has formed, posing a high risk of breaching. This could trigger another surge of rock, mud, and debris downstream.
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The main flood surge has moved past the heavily impacted areas of Rasuwagadhi, Timure, and Syafrubesi, but authorities caution that continued rainfall could lead to further localized flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. Citizens have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, low-lying areas, and damaged structures.
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Geologists and experts have described the event as one of Nepal's largest disasters. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is assessing whether blockages in the Trishuli River could form new landslide dams, potentially leading to additional flooding.
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Nepal, a country still recovering from the devastating 2015 earthquake, faces extensive rescue and rebuilding efforts in the wake of this latest natural disaster.