What we know so far
A massive flash flood and landslide on the Nepal-Tibet border has caused significant casualties and destruction. Scientists have determined the event was triggered by a glacial collapse rather than an earthquake, as initially suspected.
Why it matters
The disaster highlights the increasing risks posed by climate change-induced glacial instability in the Himalayan region.
Figure caption, Video shows scale of flash flood hitting Nepal-Tibet border
Massive landslides and flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have caused widespread damage and left hundreds dead or missing.
Search and rescue operations are under way. Chinese state media has said there are significant casualties, while Nepalese officials anticipate "huge scale loss".
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Buildings were submerged in Nepal's Nuwakot district
Nepal's foreign minister initially said an earthquake was reported on the Tibet-Nepal border shortly before the landslide, suggesting it may have triggered the disaster.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) had first reported the event as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake on Wednesday, but later confirmed the incident "was instead a glacial collapse and debris flow" that "caused subsequent catastrophic impacts downstream".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in