Glacier Lake Outburst: Nepal once again witnessed historic devastation on Wednesday. A large number of people were swept away by flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River from China’s Tibet region. At least 270 people have been reported dead in the floods, while thousands are missing. People from many countries are missing in this natural disaster. The search for the missing people is ongoing, and so far 100 Indians have been found. The floods were so severe that bridges were broken, many houses were damaged, and several hydro projects were destroyed. The sudden rise in water levels near the Nepal-Tibet border caused a massive flood in the Bhote Koshi River.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told Parliament that the earthquake struck the Tibet region at 8:37 am (local time) and flash floods were reported three minutes later, suggesting the tremors may have been caused by a glacier burst. Officials said the floods originated from the Bhote Koshi river and affected Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said rockslides and overflowing of the Lahende river on the Nepal-Tibet border caused massive flooding from the Bhote Koshi to the Trishuli river in Timure, a border town in Rasuwa district.
Over 130 Indian tourists missing
More than 130 Indian tourists are missing and many others stranded after flash floods in Nepal. These include several pilgrims on the Mansarovar Yatra. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, have set up helplines for affected Indians and their relatives. Samrat Tours and Travel agency said at least 59 Indians were pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Kedarnath Disaster, Uttarakhand (2013)
The dam of Chorabari Glacial Lake broke, causing a devastating flash flood in the Mandakini River. According to government figures, 6,054 people died, while roads, bridges and 14 km of footpaths were destroyed.
South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim (2023)
The natural dam of the glacial lake, i.e. the moraine, broke, causing a sudden flood in the Teesta River. A wave approximately 20 metres high was reported.
Chamoli Disaster, Uttarakhand (2021)
After an ice avalanche broke, a devastating flood occurred in the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers. More than 200 people were reported dead or missing, and the Rishiganga hydropower project was destroyed.
Melamchi Flood, Nepal (2021)
Amid heavy rainfall and glacial melting, a devastating flood occurred in the Melamchi River. Nepal confirmed 5 deaths, while World Bank figures recorded 17 deaths.
Bhotekoshi, Tibet-Nepal Border (2016)
The natural dam of the Gongbatongsha Glacial Lake broke, causing a sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi River. Several people died, and the Pancheshwar/related hydropower project suffered major damage.