Authorities in Nepal reported that the death toll from a catastrophic mudslide caused by a glacier collapse has risen to 781, with an additional 2,502 people still missing. Chinese officials added 16 more deaths and 546 missing, bringing the total number of fatalities close to 800.
Cross‑border disaster and international response
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Nepalese counterpart that the event was the “most severe cross‑border disaster” in recent years. Rescue operations have become increasingly difficult due to rugged Himalayan terrain, worsening weather, and rising water levels.
Dozens of Americans are among the nearly 600 foreign nationals reported missing by Nepal’s tourism board. The board said two Americans have been rescued and a third is being contacted. Chinese authorities reported 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries unaccounted for in Tibet near a key border crossing.
Mass burials and health concerns
With bodies beginning to decompose, Nepalese officials have started mass burials of unidentified victims. Nearly 100 bodies were buried on August 29, and another 100 are planned for August 30. DNA samples have been collected and burial sites documented to aid families in identifying loved ones.
“We were left with no other option,” said Ganesh Aryal, chief district officer of Chitwan, explaining the public‑health risk posed by rapid decomposition.
Ongoing rescue challenges
Rescuers continue to face hazardous conditions, including bad weather that has forced temporary suspensions of operations since August 28. A newly formed lake at the Nepal‑China border threatens further flooding as it overflows into the Lhende Khola and Trishuli Rivers.
Local police reported residents and rescue workers moving to higher ground after river levels rose on August 30 following fresh rainfall.
Impact and climate link
Chinese state media linked the disaster to long‑term effects of global warming, describing the flood as a “new and prominent feature of cryosphere disasters” on the Tibetan plateau.
The Red Cross estimates that more than 90,000 people have been affected by the mudslide, which struck around 8:30 a.m. local time on August 26. The landslide destroyed homes, infrastructure, and swept away entire communities.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
