Nepal flood disaster: 160 killed, 750 missing after glacial collapse

Nearly 160 people have been confirmed dead and over 750 remain missing, including 133 Indian nationals, after a devastating flash flood swept through central Nepal on Wednesday. The flood, triggered by a glacial collapse in Tibet, has destroyed several towns and villages, washed away critical bridges, and severely damaged a dozen hydropower projects.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported on Thursday that the seismic activity initially registered as an earthquake was in fact a glacial collapse and debris flow that caused catastrophic impacts downstream in both Nepal and Tibet. The agency clarified that the event was not an earthquake but a sudden release of glacial meltwater and debris, which overwhelmed riverbanks and low-lying areas.

Rescuers are continuing to search for survivors across the affected region, which has been cut off from road networks due to damaged infrastructure. The Nepalese government has mobilised the army and police for relief operations, while helicopters have been deployed for rescue missions in the hardest-hit areas.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India said on Wednesday that it is closely monitoring the situation, expressing concern that rising water levels could affect areas along the India-Nepal border, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The MHA is coordinating with state governments and central agencies to assess any potential impact on Indian territory and ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in or visiting Nepal.

The confirmed list of missing persons includes 133 Indian nationals, prompting the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to set up a 24-hour helpline for families seeking information. External affairs officials are in constant touch with Nepalese authorities to obtain accurate details and facilitate the safe return of those located.

The catastrophic flood has also crippled 12 hydropower projects in the region, disrupting electricity supply and raising concerns about the environmental impact of such infrastructure in ecologically sensitive zones. The long-term consequences for the local population, many of whom rely on agriculture and small-scale trade, are expected to be severe.

This is not the first such disaster in the region; glacial lakes in the Himalayas have been identified as a growing risk due to climate change. The melting of glaciers, combined with unstable geology, makes the area vulnerable to sudden floods. Experts have repeatedly called for improved early warning systems and better land-use planning to mitigate the impact of such events.

In the wake of the disaster, international aid has begun to pour in, with neighbouring countries and global agencies offering support. The Nepalese government has appealed for rescue equipment, temporary shelter, and medical supplies. The unified effort to bring relief to the affected population is being hindered by remaining uncertainty over the exact scale of the disaster, as many remote villages have not yet been reached.

The full extent of the damage is still not known, and the recovery process is expected to take months. Amid the search operations, the priority remains to locate those still missing and to provide immediate assistance to the displaced. The disaster highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation and investment in disaster preparedness to address the mounting risks in the Himalayan belt.