392 confirmed dead and more than 1,400 missing in Nepal floods – Sri Lanka extends USD 1 million humanitarian assistance
The death toll from devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 392, with more than 1,400 people reportedly missing after a massive flow of icy debris swept through communities, according to authorities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the disaster was caused by a glacial collapse that triggered a vast debris flow, rather than an earthquake as initially reported.
Rescue teams continued searching through mud and debris on Thursday as entire villages were swept away by the sudden surge of freezing water, ice and earth. Homes, bridges, dams and vehicles were destroyed as the debris travelled downstream.
Nepali police said they had recovered 389 bodies, while another 910 people, including 517 foreign tourists, remained unaccounted for. China separately reported that 100 Chinese citizens were missing in Nepal.
Indians account for the largest group among the missing foreign nationals, while the United States said 90 of its citizens were out of contact. Citizens of Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa and South Korea are also among those reported missing.
In Tibet, Chinese state media reported that three people were killed and 558 people, including 260 foreigners, were missing following the disaster at Gyirong Port. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected area on Thursday to oversee relief operations.
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited some of the worst-affected areas and instructed local authorities to provide immediate assistance to displaced families and reopen blocked roads.
Environmental historian Ruth Gamble of Australia’s La Trobe University described the sudden movement of mud and debris as resembling an “inland tsunami”, with the flow travelling nearly 170 kilometres into Nepal.
The USGS said the event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake after seismic activity was detected. However, further analysis of seismic recordings determined that the event was a glacial collapse and debris flow with catastrophic downstream impacts in Nepal and Tibet.
Experts have warned of the possibility of further flooding because massive quantities of debris have blocked parts of the valley and the river system.
Qianggong Zhang, head of climate and environmental risks at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu, warned that a second flood could occur due to a blockage remaining upstream on the Nepal-China border river.
Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division issued a special notice warning of a growing lake behind debris left by the landslide and urged people to exercise extreme caution.
Many of those reported missing are foreign tourists and Hindu pilgrims who were returning from the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru said scores of pilgrims were caught in the flooding at an immigration post while returning from the pilgrimage.
The disaster has also renewed concerns over the impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt worldwide, increasing the risks of glacial lake floods and glacier collapses.
Sri Lanka has expressed solidarity with Nepal following the disaster, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directing the Government to provide a financial contribution of US$1 million to support Nepal’s humanitarian and relief efforts.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and suffering caused by the disaster and conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the Government and people of Nepal, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.
Recalling the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between Sri Lanka and Nepal, President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka stands firmly with the people of Nepal during the crisis.
The financial contribution will support immediate relief and humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the floods and landslides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath spoke with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and conveyed Sri Lanka’s condolences, support and solidarity.
The Sri Lankan Government said it will remain closely engaged with the Nepalese Government and continue exploring appropriate avenues through which Sri Lanka can contribute to relief and recovery efforts.
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