Dozens of Americans and Canadians are among hundreds of people reported missing after a deadly flash flood and mudslide near the Nepal-Tibet border, according to Nepali authorities. More than 150 people are known to have died so far.
Nepal police state that 579 tourists are missing, including 466 foreign nationals from 28 different countries. This includes 54 people from the US, 24 Canadians, and 33 from the UK. The US State Department has confirmed awareness of Americans impacted and its embassy in Nepal is working with local agencies to assist.
State media in China, which controls Tibet, has reported three deaths and 265 missing in Tibet. CCTV footage from Tibet showed a wall of water and mud striking buildings at a border crossing.
Initial reports had suggested an earthquake might have triggered an ice avalanche and landslide. However, the US Geological Survey now indicates that seismic energy was generated by the landslide itself. Scientists note that while climate change is accelerating glacier melt in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, it is too soon to determine its role in this specific event.
Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the government, political parties, and the public to intensify rescue and relief efforts.