Hundreds of Indian nationals are missing after a glacier detachment in the Himalayas led to destructive floods in Nepal and Tibet. As of Monday, 275 Indian nationals are unaccounted for, including workers on a hydropower project and pilgrims to Mount Kailash.
An additional 128 people of Indian origin, including members of Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation, are also missing. So far, 149 Indian people have been rescued.
The disaster unfolded when a melting glacier detached and sent a cascade of rock and ice down the Bhote Kashi River, which flows from Tibet into Nepal. Families are using social media to search for missing loved ones.
Dr. Ashim Sattar, an expert on glacial lake outburst floods, stated that the Himalayas face increasing risks from melting glaciers, growing glacial lakes, and thawing permafrost due to climate change. He noted that while early warning systems are being installed, monitoring the vast Himalayan region remains challenging.