A catastrophic flood triggered by a collapsed glacier on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed at least 168 people and left over 1,300 missing, according to authorities. The disaster, which occurred in the Himalayan region, was initially thought to be caused by an earthquake but later attributed to a sudden glacial collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing as hundreds remain unaccounted for, with many believed to be on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a sacred site in the area.
The flood, which swept through local towns and valleys, has displaced hundreds of people and caused widespread destruction. Initial reports of an earthquake led to confusion, but scientists now say the true cause was a rapidly melting glacier that triggered a massive landslide. Over 270 bodies have been recovered, with the number of fatalities expected to rise.
Among the missing are more than 700 foreign nationals, including over 500 foreigners, according to Nepalese police and tourism officials. Two Irish nationals are among those still missing. The UK has pledged £5 million in aid to support relief efforts.
Search teams are working in difficult conditions to locate survivors and recover bodies. The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change in the Himalayan region, where glaciers are melting at an alarming rate.
