TBM Report ||
The death toll from a devastating glacial outburst flood and catastrophic landslides in Nepal has risen to 359. Nepal Police confirmed the figures on Thursday afternoon as search and rescue teams continue to scour swept-away riverbank settlements near the Nepal-Tibet border. Nearly 1,000 individuals remain unaccounted for across the region.
The disaster affected the Tibetan side of the border as well. Chinese state media reported 3 fatalities and 558 missing people. A significant number of those missing on both sides of the border are international tourists. Official records indicate missing foreign nationals include 178 Indians, 127 Nepalis, 65 Americans, and 33 British citizens, along with several military and police personnel.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) attributed the catastrophic surge to glacial collapse coupled with heavy debris flow. Hydrologists warn of potential secondary floods due to debris blockages in major river channels. Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited heavily impacted areas in Nuwakot district, including Bidur, to assess emergency response measures.
The disaster destroyed infrastructure at the Kyirong land port, a critical transit corridor connecting China and Nepal. Chinese Premier Li Qiang surveyed the disaster zone in Tibet following directives from President Xi Jinping to mobilize all rescue operations.
