What we know about deadly Nepal-Tibet floods
BBC News reports on the devastating landslides and flash floods that occurred on the Nepal-Tibet border, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
Causes of the Landslide
- Earthquake Hypothesis: Initially, Nepal’s foreign minister suggested an earthquake on the Tibet-Nepal border may have triggered the disaster. However, the United States Geological Survey found no evidence of an earthquake.
- Possible Factors: Scientists speculate that water from rainfall or melting ice might have destabilized the ground or ice, leading to a chain reaction. Climate change is also a factor in accelerated glacier melt in the region.
Impact and Events
- Avoiding Specifics: The exact sequence of events is still under investigation. Researchers are analyzing satellite images, glacial lake drainage, river blockages, and rainfall data to determine what happened.
- Devastation: Footage shows massive mud and rock slides engulfing buildings, roads, and vehicles in northern Nepalese towns, including areas popular with tourists and pilgrims.
- Flooding: Severe flooding has been reported along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers.
- Casualties:
- Nepal: At least 162 deaths, with 64 found downstream in Chitwan district and another 26 in Nawalparasi East.
- China: 558 people missing in Gyirong county, including 260 foreign nationals; the death toll remains at three.
- Border Crossing: The Gyirong border is a main crossing point for tourists and traffic between China and Nepal.
Ongoing Operations
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with a focus on both sides of the border. The scale of loss is expected to be significant.
