Nepal–Tibet floods: glacier collapse disaster

A glacial collapse triggered catastrophic flash floods killing at least 165, with hundreds missing.

On Wednesday morning, an enormous section of a glacier in Nepal's Langtang national park sheared free and crashed onto the valley floor, triggering catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal–Tibet border. The disaster killed at least 165 people and left hundreds missing, with officials warning the death toll would rise.

The glacier collapse was so powerful it was initially mistaken for an earthquake. The US Geological Survey later determined the tremor was caused by glacial rock and ice collapsing, registering a magnitude of 5.2. The impact of the collapsed glacier hitting the valley floor was so intense it generated seismic energy normally associated with earthquakes.

Scientists used satellite imagery and seismic data to reconstruct the disaster. According to The Daily Star, a geologist at the University of Calgary said satellite imagery suggested a section of glacier about 2,000 feet wide broke off at around 17,000 feet, falling nearly 4,000 feet to the valley below.

The floods swept through villages, washed away bridges and roads, and damaged hydropower infrastructure. The Guardian reports that 826 people were missing in Nepal, including 579 tourists from two dozen countries, while Chinese state media said 558 were missing in Tibet's Gyirong county. Rescue efforts were hampered by damaged infrastructure, high river levels, and deep mud.

Scientists for years have warned of melting ice and permafrost in the Himalayas due to warming temperatures. BBC reports that an ICIMOD analysis found Hindu Kush Himalaya glaciers are now losing ice at double the rate since 2000. Experts say the increasing frequency of cryosphere hazards is becoming more visible, and that climate warming destabilises high mountain environments.

Rescue operations continue with helicopters and disaster response personnel deployed, but rain forecast in coming days is expected to further hamper efforts. CGTN reports the US has pledged $500,000 in aid, while the UN is sending supplies and personnel. Al Jazeera reports that both Nepalese and Chinese officials expect the death toll to rise sharply as rescue teams reach affected areas.