Ganesh Aryal confirms mass burials as Nepal and China face severe cross-border disaster from Himalayan mudslide

Nepal's disaster authority reported that a glacier collapse triggered a catastrophic mudslide across the Himalayas, leaving nearly 800 people dead and thousands missing. Ganesh Aryal, the chief district officer of Chitwan, confirmed that mass burials have begun for hundreds of unidentified victims whose bodies began to decompose rapidly. The disaster, described by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the most severe cross-border disaster in recent years, has complicated rescue operations due to rugged terrain and rising water levels in the Trishuli River. Nearly 600 foreign nationals are reported missing, including dozens of Americans. Chinese authorities reported 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries are unaccounted for in Tibet. The scale of the disaster has affected more than 90,000 people, with Chinese state media linking the event to the long-term effects of global warming. Rescue teams continue to work through the night to reach trapped workers in hydropower tunnels, while residents and rescue workers have moved to higher ground to avoid potential flooding from a lake formed across the border.

Sources

• Reuters
  Rescuers battle floods and debris as Himalayan disaster death toll nears 800
• The New York Times
  Nepal Turns to Mass Burials, as Thousands Remain Missing from Floods
• USA Today
  Death toll nears 800 in Nepal flood disaster
• CNN
  These men had a hellish escape from Nepal’s flooded hydro tunnels. They were the lucky ones
• BBC
  China censors videos showing deadly flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border