How the deadly Nepal and Tibet flash flood unfolded – a visual guide

The massive glacial collapse that caused catastrophic flash floods in the Himalayan border region of Nepal and Tibet has killed at least 165 people, with over 1,000 missing. Officials reported 826 people missing in Nepal, including 579 tourists from 20 countries, and 558 missing in Tibet’s Gyirong County. The collapse occurred at 8:37 AM on Wednesday when a section of a glacier in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, about 60 km north of Kathmandu, detached and crashed into the valley floor. Initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake, the US Geological Survey later confirmed it was a magnitude 5.2 seismic event caused by glacial rock and ice collapse. This triggered massive flash floods along the Lhende Khola, Bhote Koshi, and Trishuli rivers, sweeping through northern Nepal, including areas popular with tourists and pilgrims. Horrifying videos showed people fleeing as debris obliterated buildings and swept away buses. Survivors described being rescued by clinging to trees or mango trees as their homes were washed away. In Nepal, houses and roads were destroyed in seconds. Keshav Prasad Baral, a survivor, said his wife was swept away by mud. Bibek Kumal, a Nepali laborer, survived by clinging to a mango tree. Rescue operations were difficult due to damaged infrastructure and high river levels. Helicopters could not land in affected areas like Syapru Besi and Timure in Rasuwa, where rescuers waded through mud to find survivors. The floods submerged multi-level homes and destroyed bridges, including one crossing the Trishuli River. Nepal’s tourism ministry reported hundreds of missing pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to infrastructure damage and high river levels. Dave Petley, an earth scientist, described the scale as 'apocalyptic,' noting the floods likely involved melted ice and river water. The Himalayas, with many glaciers, are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change. Researchers found glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region are melting faster, with ice loss doubling since 2000.