Nepal Glacier Flood Death Toll Passes 1100; Chinese Tibet Also Hit

A week after a catastrophic glacier collapse and subsequent flood in the Himalayas, the death toll in Nepal has reached at least 1114, with nearly 4000 people reported missing. As of the morning of September 2, hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing, according to Reuters. Rescuers are focusing efforts on hydroelectric power plant tunnels, where individuals may be trapped. In neighboring Tibet, Chinese authorities report 16 fatalities and 546 missing. Among the missing are 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries. On September 2, China reopened the G216 national highway to the Gyirong border crossing, enabling heavy equipment to be delivered directly to the affected area for the first time. Previously, much of the equipment and supplies had to be transported by air.

The disaster occurred on August 26 when a portion of a glacier collapsed, blocking a river and forming a temporary dam. When this dam burst, a massive surge of water, mud, and rocks swept through communities and infrastructure on both sides of the Nepal-China border. The United Nations estimates that approximately 2.2 million tons of debris and sediment remain in the affected region. In Nepal, 279 people have been rescued, and around 3500 evacuees are housed in temporary shelters. Authorities are gradually shifting from search and rescue to recovery efforts, but they warn of the risks of further landslides and sanitation issues due to damaged water supplies and the large number of displaced residents.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues its search for two Israeli citizens. One is Ron Cohen, 60, whose communication was lost in the Tibet region. On August 31, the ministry announced that Katerina Sakovich, 41, who holds both Israeli and Belarusian citizenship, is also considered missing. The Israeli consul in Kathmandu and the department for Israelis Abroad are maintaining contact with the families and local authorities.