Massive Glacier Collapse in Nepal Causes Deadly Flash Floods, Over 1,300 Missing

A massive glacier collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border early Tuesday morning triggered a deadly flash flood and mudslides, killing at least 273 people and leaving over 1,300 missing, including hundreds of tourists and pilgrims from multiple countries. The disaster struck around 8:30 a.m. local time near the Bhote Koshi River when a huge section of a mountainside collapsed into the river, causing a sudden surge of water and debris that devastated nearby villages.

The United States Geological Survey confirmed the event was caused by a massive glacier and rock collapse, initially mistaken for an earthquake due to the seismic shock it produced. The floodwaters and mudslides wiped out entire villages and market areas, according to David Fisher, head of the Nepal Red Cross mission. Hundreds remain stranded on isolated hillsides, some sheltering in caves, as rescue teams continue searching under dangerous conditions with fears of further landslides.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, called the disaster an "unforeseen natural calamity" and said the government has mobilized all resources for urgent rescue operations. The government declared a state of emergency and is coordinating extensive helicopter and ground rescue efforts. Hospitals in Kathmandu have prepared special wards for the injured. Missing persons include citizens from Nepal, India, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands. Approximately 28 buses are also unaccounted for in the affected area.

Chinese authorities warned of ongoing risks from secondary mudslides, complicating rescue efforts on their side of the border where three fatalities have been reported. The international rescue operation continues amid challenging terrain and persistent hazards, as families anxiously await news of loved ones amid widespread destruction.

Summary: A massive glacier collapse in Nepal caused deadly flash floods and mudslides, killing at least 273 and leaving over 1,300 missing, including many tourists. Rescue operations are ongoing amid dangerous conditions and fears of further landslides.

Points: - Glacier collapse in Nepal-Tibet border triggered deadly flash floods and mudslides. - At least 273 confirmed dead, over 1,300 missing including hundreds of tourists. - Entire villages wiped out; hundreds stranded on isolated hillsides. - Nepal declared state of emergency and launched extensive rescue operations. - Missing include citizens from multiple countries; 28 buses unaccounted for. - Chinese side reports 3 deaths and warns of further mudslide risks.

Topic: security israel_relevant: false Entities: {"people": ["Balendra Shah", "David Fisher", "Suraj Sigadel"], "organizations": ["Nepal Red Cross", "United States Geological Survey", "Mercy Corps"], "places": ["Nepal", "Tibet", "Bhote Koshi River", "Kathmandu", "China"]}