Glacier Collapse at Nepal-Tibet Border Kills 165, Over 1,000 Missing Including Israeli Tourist

A catastrophic glacier collapse struck the Nepal-Tibet border region, triggering a massive mudslide that has killed at least 165 people and left over 1,000 missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists. The disaster occurred without warning, with Chinese security footage showing a giant wave destroying multi-story buildings and sweeping away vehicles. Initial reports mistook the event for a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, but seismic analysis and satellite imagery confirmed it was a glacier collapse causing debris flow.

Among the missing is an Israeli man in his 60s who entered Nepal from Tibet with an organized group, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Chabad emissary in Nepal, Hezki Lifshitz, noted that few Israelis are in Nepal and they are traveling in unaffected areas. Nepalese authorities report 486 tourists missing, including nationals from India, the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and South Korea. On the Chinese side, 558 people are missing, with 260 foreigners and three confirmed dead.

The Tibetan government has mobilized nearly 800 emergency personnel, search dogs, and fast boats for rescue operations. The International Federation of Red Cross has begun sending emergency supplies such as blankets, first aid kits, and stretchers. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that urgent rescue efforts are the top priority. Meanwhile, the United Nations is deploying teams to support affected communities, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the ongoing difficulty in obtaining accurate information about the missing.

Rescue efforts continue on both sides of the border amid challenging conditions caused by the sudden and devastating natural disaster.