Rescue operations have resumed in the Nepal-Tibet border region following a temporary suspension prompted by concerns about potential secondary flooding. The death toll from the initial disaster has climbed to at least 626 in Nepal, with Chinese authorities confirming seven fatalities in Tibet. Additionally, nearly 2,000 individuals remain unaccounted for across both regions.
The catastrophe originated when a glacier section detached at high altitude in the Himalayas on Wednesday morning, triggering a massive landslide that crashed into the Lende River. The resulting flood surge ravaged multiple Nepalese districts and caused dramatic water level increases in the Trishuli River. The incident has prompted Nepal’s government to request specialized rescue assistance from India and China, with teams featuring tunnel rescue expertise expected to arrive within days.
Experts have highlighted ongoing risks associated with a newly created lake at the collapse site. Scientists warn that the unstable debris barrier containing the water poses dangers of future flooding, though controlled drainage methods may be implemented. International assistance has arrived from multiple nations including India, Australia, and the United States, while authorities anticipate casualty figures will continue rising as rescuers access remote areas still isolated by damaged infrastructure.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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