Central Nepal flash floods as glacier collapse leaves hundreds dead
Massive disaster hits Himalayan region
A devastating disaster has struck the Himalayan region after a huge amount of ice, rock and water rushed down the mountains, causing widespread destruction.
Authorities said at least 469 people have been killed, while more than 1,300 remain missing after the disaster.
More than 700 foreign nationals are among those unaccounted for. Dozens of Americans are also believed to be missing.
US President Donald Trump has said the United States is ready to provide “any help” needed to support the rescue effort.
Glacier collapse gives fresh clues
New footage shared on Chinese social media has provided important clues about the possible cause of the disaster.
The footage shows a large section of glacier near Langtang Lirung peak breaking away from the mountain before falling into the river below.
Scientists compared satellite images taken before and after the event and found evidence of a massive glacier collapse.
The falling ice and rock travelled down from a height of roughly 7,000 feet before reaching the river.
The broken section of glacier was estimated to be around 2,000 feet wide. A large section of nearby rock also collapsed, leaving a huge scar across the mountainside.
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Flood wave moved at terrifying speed
The collapse created a powerful wave of water, crushed ice and rock.
Scientists estimated that the wave travelled the first 22 kilometres at an average speed of around 193 kilometres per hour.
This means the destructive flow covered nearly 14 miles in less than seven minutes.
Videos from Rasuwa district showed muddy water moving rapidly through affected areas during rescue operations.
The Nepal landslide has destroyed bridges, buried homes and damaged infrastructure, leaving some communities difficult to reach.
The Rasuwa disaster has also made rescue efforts extremely challenging because roads and access routes have been damaged.
More flooding could be coming
If the blockage breaks, another surge could move through nearby areas.
Authorities are therefore preparing for additional central Nepal floods flash floods while rescue teams continue searching for survivors.
The Gyirong County flood threat is adding another challenge for emergency workers already dealing with widespread destruction.
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Rescue operation continues
Officials are still investigating the exact chain of events that caused the Nepal flash flood.
Scientists believe the glacier collapse played a major role, but further analysis is needed to fully understand how the disaster developed.
