Rescue teams expanded their search on Thursday for hundreds of people believed missing along the Nepal-China border after a catastrophic flood swept through communities a day earlier, triggered by a glacier collapse. The disaster left a deadly path of floods and mud in its wake, with authorities reporting that more than 1,300 people are unaccounted for in the affected region.
The destruction unfolded after a glacier collapse unleashed torrents that inundated parts of Nepal and Tibet. Local residents faced muddy streets and disrupted lives as the floodwaters receded enough to reveal the extent of damage. Officials said 823 people were out of contact on the border area more than 24 hours after the flood struck, underscoring the scale of the event and the challenges in locating those affected.
Emergency crews, military personnel, and volunteers worked through challenging terrain to reach impacted villages along the Nepal-China border. The situation has prompted calls for swift coordination and sustained rescue operations as officials continue to assess casualties and seek to account for those missing.
Photographs from the scene show residents navigating streets overwhelmed by sludge and debris, illustrating the rapid and disruptive nature of the floodwaters. The incident marks a significant and ongoing humanitarian effort as responders strive to locate survivors and provide aid to communities cut off by the disaster.