Satellite images taken before and after the disaster show how a massive mud and rock collapse near the Nepal-China border caused devastating floods, killing at least 98 people.
Videos verified from the area showed people being swept away by the powerful floodwaters. Homes, roads, bridges and power projects were destroyed in Nepal, while officials in Tibet also reported missing people and feared a high number of casualties.
WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FLOODS
The exact cause is still being investigated. Nepal's foreign minister said an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche that led to the flooding.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a 4.4-magnitude earthquake about seven minutes before the time shown on security footage of the disaster.
Satellite images suggest that a large landslide of snow and rock triggered a debris-filled flood in the Lhende river, around 20 km from the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.
Experts, however, have not yet confirmed the exact cause. They also warned that a blockage upstream could lead to another major flood if it suddenly breaks.
HUNDREDS STILL MISSING
Nepalese authorities said 98 bodies had been recovered, while hundreds of people remained missing.
Among the missing foreign nationals were more than 100 Indians, three Americans and 12 British citizens. Eight South Korean workers at a hydropower project were also reported missing.
Around 65 injured people were reportedly receiving treatment in hospitals in the affected region and Kathmandu.
Rescue operations have been difficult because helicopters could not land in some of the worst-hit areas, including Syapru Besi and Timure.
VILLAGES AND INFRASTRUCTURE DESTROYED
Floodwaters swept away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges. Entire settlements along the river were reportedly destroyed.
A local health worker said several of his relatives were among those missing, while officials warned people living near the Bhote Koshi river to move to higher ground.
The floodwaters are also moving through the Trishuli river system, eventually entering India as the Gandak. Because of this, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been placed on alert.
Bihar authorities said around 5,000 people had already been evacuated from six districts, with plans to move up to 10,000–12,000 people to safer areas.
GYIRONG PORT ALSO HIT
On the Chinese side, the mudslide severely affected Gyirong Port, cutting roads, electricity and communication links.
China deployed hundreds of rescue personnel, vehicles, search dogs and emergency equipment. Officials said roads leading to the border crossing had been completely destroyed in some areas.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an extensive search for missing people and called for stronger monitoring and early-warning systems to prevent further disasters.
The region had also experienced a deadly Bhote Koshi flood last year, which killed nine people and left 24 missing.
