A massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas has triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides across Nepal and China's Tibet.
A massive landslide of ice and rock triggered by a glacier collapse near the Langtang Lirung peak has caused catastrophic flooding across the Nepal and China border. The disaster, which occurred on Wednesday, sent a high-speed debris flow traveling at 50 meters per second, washing away entire roads, power projects, and villages. The death toll has risen to at least 475, with over 1,000 people still missing in Nepal alone. Rescue operations are currently being complicated by the formation of a new barrier lake, which has begun to overflow. Authorities in both countries are monitoring the lake closely, as a breach could trigger additional flash floods. The U.S. Geological Survey clarified that the seismic energy initially thought to be an earthquake was actually generated by the glacial collapse. British nationals are among those affected, with 33 tourists reported missing. The UK government has offered £5m to assist the Nepalese government. King Charles expressed his sympathy for those affected by the devastating situation.