A catastrophic flash flood has devastated northern Nepal after a massive collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayas unleashed a torrent of water, mud and debris through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border.
The disaster struck Wednesday, August 26, with floodwaters tearing through villages, destroying homes, bridges, roads and critical infrastructure. The death toll and number of missing people have continued to rise as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated areas.
What triggered the disaster?
Scientists and officials initially investigated whether an earthquake had caused the devastation. But evidence now points to a massive glacial collapse or ice-and-rock avalanche in the Lhende Khola River valley. The collapse sent enormous quantities of water, ice, rock and mud downstream, producing a sudden and extraordinarily powerful flash flood.
Experts say a warming climate is making the Himalayan region increasingly vulnerable to such disasters. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt and destabilizing mountain slopes and frozen ground, potentially increasing the risk of sudden glacier collapses and related floods.
How you can help
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with the Nepal Red Cross Society receiving emergency support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The IFRC has released nearly 1 million in emergency funding for the response.
Aid organizations are urging people who want to help to donate money rather than send physical goods, allowing relief groups to purchase exactly what survivors need and get supplies to devastated communities more efficiently. The New Zealand Red Cross Nepal Flood Emergency Appeal is accepting donations to help provide emergency shelter, clean drinking water, first aid, essential supplies and health assistance.
For Americans looking to help, the American Red Cross also maintains international disaster-relief programs supporting communities affected by major disasters overseas.
As rescue crews continue searching for survivors, the full scale of the devastation remains unclear. For families across Nepal and around the world waiting for news of loved ones, the coming days will be critical.
Donate if you can.