Glacier collapse triggers floods on Nepal–China border, with 177 dead

What happened

A large mass of ice and rock broke away from a glacier near the Nepal–China border and fell into a valley, causing severe floods in Nepal and Tibet. The United States Geological Survey first identified the seismic signal as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. It later said no earthquake had occurred and revised the event to a magnitude 5.2 glacier collapse.

According to the account, debris from the Nepal-side glacier blocked the Lhende Khola River. When the resulting natural barrier failed, water, mud and debris swept rapidly towards settlements. Water levels on the Trishuli River reportedly climbed by as much as 9 metres within 30 minutes.

Nepal’s disaster-risk reduction and management authority reported at least 162 deaths in Nepal, while three deaths were reported in Tibet. Nepal police said they had recovered 177 bodies. Roads, vehicles and buildings were damaged or buried in mud, with some structures affected up to the second floor.

Why it matters

The disaster disrupted transport and communications in an area close to the Nepal–China border. It also affected public buildings and private property. Search and rescue operations are focused on the Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas.

No direct implications for businesses in Türkiye or the EU were provided in the available material. The event nevertheless highlights the operational risks that sudden glacier-related floods can create for border transport links, settlements and visitors in mountain regions.

Background

This was the second major flood on the Lhende Khola River in 14 months. In August 2025, flooding from an overflowing glacial lake in Tibet reportedly killed nine people and damaged a bridge connecting Nepal and China.

The source cites experts who say glaciers in the Himalayas are melting rapidly as temperatures rise. A study published earlier in the year found that ice loss in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region had doubled since 2000.

What's next

Rescue teams continue to search for 826 missing people, including foreign tourists reported to have been visiting the Kailash Mansarovar area in Tibet. Nepal’s army has rescued more than 100 people by helicopter from flood-affected locations.