KATHMANDU — Catastrophic floods in the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China's Tibet region have killed at least 469 people, Nepal's police announced Friday. Authorities have recovered 469 bodies following the disaster, which also left more than 1,000 people missing.
Among those missing are over 500 foreign nationals, including 90 Americans. Officials reported that hundreds of other individuals have been rescued, with dozens receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu, the capital.
The flooding, which struck Wednesday morning, devastated communities. Homes, roads, and bridges were washed away, leaving some areas inaccessible for rescue operations. Entire settlements became encased in mud, hampering search efforts.
Experts suggest a glacier collapse triggered the torrent of water, mud, and debris that swept through communities along the border. Scientists said global warming may have destabilized the rock face, though they cautioned it is too early to determine a precise cause.
Rescue teams face significant challenges in their search for survivors along swollen rivers. The destruction of roads and bridges means rescuers must use helicopters, which slows operations, according to officials.
Verified videos show the extent of the destruction. One video depicts a massive boulder hurtling through fast-moving water in Ratmate, in Nepal's Nuwakot district. Another video from nearby Taruka shows a large boulder churning through floodwaters near homes along the river.
The Himalayan region, which spans Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, China, and Afghanistan, is highly vulnerable to climate change. Temperatures are rising faster than the global average, accelerating glacial melt and destabilizing an area already prone to natural disasters.
The region has a history of floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
