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NewsWPLG Local 10 – EspañolAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

Flash floods and glacier avalanche in Nepal and China leave at least 160 dead and hundreds missing

Sudden, massive flooding triggered by a suspected glacier avalanche has caused at least 160 deaths and left hundreds of tourists and residents missing across the Nepal-China border. Authorities have issued emergency warnings for residents to evacuate riverbanks as infrastructure, including 19 bridges and 40 kilometers of roads, has been destroyed.

Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Español

Why It Matters

The disaster has triggered a massive international search and rescue operation involving multiple nations and the United Nations, while highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Himalayan communities to climate-driven glacial instability.

Key Facts

  • At least 160 people are confirmed dead.
  • 403 people are reported missing in Nepal, including 341 foreign nationals.
  • 133 missing individuals are Indian pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash.
  • Missing foreign nationals include 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 British, 24 Canadians, 11 Malaysians, 9 South Koreans, and 4 Russians.
  • At least 28 Nepalese police officers are among the missing.
  • 19 bridges and 40 kilometers of roads have been destroyed.
  • Water levels in the Trishuli River rose 9 meters in 30 minutes.
  • The disaster is attributed to a glacier avalanche that blocked the Lhende Khola river.
  • Glacial ice loss in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region has doubled since 2000.
  • The Nepal government has requested formal assistance from India and China.

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