Rescue operations have resumed in the flood-affected Nepal-Tibet border region after a brief pause due to concerns about a newly formed lake. The death toll from the disaster has risen to at least 579 in Nepal, with 1,924 individuals reported missing, according to Nepal’s disaster authority. In Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported at least five deaths and 558 people missing.
The disaster began on Wednesday morning when a glacier collapsed at approximately 5,200 meters in the Himalayas, falling about 1,200 meters and collecting rock and debris before impacting the Lende River. This surge caused significant flooding, raising the Trishuli River by 9 meters within 30 minutes. The US Geological Survey revised its initial assessment, concluding that the seismic signal detected was due to the landslide rather than an earthquake.
Following the glacier collapse, a new lake formed at the site and began to rise, leading to a temporary halt in search efforts due to fears of a second flood. Operations have since resumed after experts deemed the risks from the lake manageable. Alton Byers, a glacial-hazards scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, stated that the barrier holding back the lake is unstable, consisting of loose debris. He noted that the safest outcome would be a natural drainage of the lake, while Chinese crews may attempt to lower the water levels using manual techniques.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the disaster zone in Gyirong on Thursday, and President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting to instruct officials to develop scientific search-and-rescue plans and enhance monitoring of glacial lakes. International aid has been provided by India, the UN, the Red Cross Federation, Australia, South Korea, and the US. Officials have indicated that the death toll may continue to rise as rescuers reach areas still isolated by mud and washed-out roads.