Glacial collapse triggers deadly floods on Nepal-Tibet border

A glacier collapsed on Wednesday near the China-Nepal border, causing severe flash floods. At least five people have died in Tibet's Gyirong county, and 558 people are missing. Of those missing, 260 are foreign nationals from more than two dozen countries.

The floods destroyed homes, roads, and bridges in the border region. Rescue teams have had to stop work several times because a lake formed by debris could overflow. Chinese authorities say around three million cubic metres of water will flow into this lake over three days.

Nepal's Prime Minister visited the flood-hit Nuwakot district on Thursday. Rescue teams from several countries are working together to find survivors. The Himalayan region is at high risk from glacial hazards because of its altitude and climate.