A glacial collapse in Tibet triggered catastrophic flash floods in central Nepal, destroying infrastructure and leaving hundreds of people, including foreign nationals, missing.

Nearly 160 people have been confirmed dead and over 750 remain missing following a massive flash flood that swept through central Nepal on Wednesday. The disaster, which originated in Tibet, destroyed bridges, damaged hydropower projects, and devastated mountain towns and valleys. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate hundreds of individuals who remain unaccounted for in the region.

Cause of the Disaster

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed on Thursday that the event was caused by a glacial collapse and subsequent debris flow, rather than an earthquake as initially reported. The collapse triggered a wall of mud and rock to fall into a river, resulting in catastrophic downstream impacts along the Bhote Koshi river, including in the Rasuwa and Chitwan districts.

Casualties and International Response

Nepal police reported that 157 bodies had been recovered as of late Wednesday. Among the missing are 133 Indian nationals and hundreds of other foreign tourists, as the area is a popular destination for trekkers and pilgrims. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal, while the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring the situation for potential impacts on border areas in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.