A massive glacier collapse triggered a magnitude‑5.2 landslide that unleashed catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet, killing at least 273 people.
Glacier Collapse Sparks Deadly Floods Across Nepal‑China Border
The U.S. Geological Survey initially classified the event as a 4.4‑magnitude earthquake but revised its analysis after reviewing seismic station data, long‑period waves and satellite imagery, confirming a landslide rather than an earthquake.
Experts at the Kathmandu‑based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development told the Associated Press that Wednesday’s flash floods were caused by a glacial avalanche, noting the flood wave’s extraordinary speed and magnitude.
Hydrological measurements showed water levels on the Trishuli River surged up to 27 feet in just 30 minutes, illustrating the flood’s unprecedented force.
Rescue operations are underway for more than 1,300 people reported missing, including dozens of Americans and foreign pilgrims, as Nepal Police posted updated missing‑person lists on Thursday.
Dozens of bridges collapsed and nearly 25 miles of roads were damaged, severely hampering search and rescue efforts, according to Nepalese officials.
The Nepalese army evacuated over 100 survivors by helicopter Thursday morning, said Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet.
Nepal Red Cross chairman Bishal Kumar Bhandari announced a shift to large‑scale relief, noting that about 1,200 people have been displaced from at least three villages.
Video footage captured a baby pulled from a vehicle trapped in raging floodwaters, and showed cars being swept away, homes destroyed and mud‑covered survivors emerging as travel routes vanished.
The village of Soley in Nuwakot, home to roughly 25 households, was almost completely demolished, according to local journalist Nirajan Paudyal, whose family lives there.
Paudyal told the AP that no updates have emerged and he fears none will come, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty.
The disaster underscores a growing threat as unstable Himalayan ice jeopardizes communities, infrastructure and water supplies across one of the world’s most densely populated regions.
A similar glacial lake outburst flood in August 2025 killed nine people and damaged a key bridge linking Nepal and China, illustrating the recurring risk.
James Cirrone, a writer for Fox News Digital’s Breaking/Trending team, can be reached at james.cirrone@fox.com for story tips.
