At least 95 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after an avalanche of ice and rock triggered massive flash floods in Nepal's Himalayan region, washing away villages and infrastructure along the Bhotekoshi river.
The disaster struck on Wednesday at about 9am local time (03:15 GMT), with officials reporting 384 tourists unaccounted for, including 291 foreigners from India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The floods have devastated communities and critical infrastructure across several districts, prompting Nepal to request international assistance from both India and China. The disaster also underscores the growing vulnerability of the rapidly warming Himalayan region, where glacial hazards are becoming more frequent and severe.
Authorities have issued alerts urging residents in multiple districts to stay away from the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers as the situation continues to unfold.
The latest disaster echoes similar flash floods in August last year, when an overflowing glacial lake in neighbouring Tibet killed nine people and damaged a key cross-border bridge. That earlier event highlighted the region's exposure to glacial lake outburst floods and related hazards.
The recurrence of such incidents within a short period has drawn attention to the accelerating effects of climate change in the Himalayas. Warming temperatures are destabilising glaciers and ice formations, increasing the likelihood of avalanches and sudden water releases that threaten downstream communities.
Climate experts at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said an ice-rock avalanche on the Nepal side blocked the Lhende Khola, a Bhotekoshi tributary, before releasing a sudden surge downstream. This mechanism explains the rapid onset of flooding that overwhelmed villages and infrastructure.
"We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts," government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said, confirming the official appeal for international support.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to locate the hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Nepal has appealed to India and China for assistance as search and recovery operations continue across the affected districts.
Officials have advised residents to remain away from the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers, with further updates expected as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.
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