Nepal-China Border Flood Death Toll Rises as Rescuers Race to Find Hundreds Missing

KATHMANDU: The death toll from catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-China border has risen sharply, while rescue teams continue searching for hundreds of people missing after a massive surge of water, mud and debris swept through communities in the Himalayan region.

Nepalese authorities reported that at least 538 people had died in the disaster, while police later put the national death toll at 547. Nearly 1,000 people remain unaccounted for in Nepal, and more than 3,700 people have been rescued. China has reported five deaths and 558 people missing in Tibet.

The disaster was likely triggered by the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in the Himalayas. Scientists say a large section of ice and rock may have temporarily blocked a river before releasing a powerful surge downstream. The Trishuli River rose dramatically, while torrents of mud and debris devastated settlements and infrastructure on both sides of the border.

Rescue operations have been complicated by destroyed roads, bridges and other infrastructure. More than 14,800 Nepalese security personnel have been mobilized for search and rescue operations, while hundreds of Chinese rescuers have reached some of the hardest-hit areas on the Chinese side of the border.

Authorities have also issued fresh warnings over the possibility of further flooding. A barrier lake formed upstream on the Chinese side following the initial disaster and was reported to be overflowing. Nepalese authorities separately warned that a water dam on the Tibet side had burst, urging rescue workers and residents to remain on high alert and move to safer areas if necessary.

The disaster has affected a large number of foreign nationals, including tourists, workers and pilgrims traveling toward Mount Kailash in Tibet. Among those reported missing are citizens of the United States, India, Australia, Britain, Canada and several other countries. U.S. officials have said approximately 90 Americans remain unaccounted for, while three have been rescued.

Pakistan has also pledged emergency relief assistance to Nepal. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with the Nepalese people and said Islamabad would contribute to the ongoing relief efforts.

Scientists have warned that the disaster underscores the growing hazards facing communities in the rapidly warming Himalayas. While researchers say it is too early to establish a direct link between climate change and this particular glacier collapse, rising temperatures are contributing to glacier instability and increasing the potential for landslides, avalanches and sudden floods across the region.

Rescue and relief operations remain underway as authorities continue assessing the extensive destruction and working to locate those still missing.