Death toll in Nepal floods rises to 270: Cause of the disaster identified

The death toll from the flood disaster that occurred on Nepal's border with China is worsening. According to a statement from the Nepal Police, the number of people who lost their lives in the disaster following the flooding of the Bhotekoshi River has risen to 270.

The Nepal Tourism Board announced that there were also tourists from over 20 countries in the region. The statement indicated that a total of 644 tourists, 517 of whom are foreign nationals and 127 of whom are Nepalese, remain unaccounted for.

Search and rescue efforts are being supported by 2,000 military personnel from the Nepalese army and 3,318 police officers. It was reported that teams are continuing their work in areas affected by floods and landslides.

STATEMENT REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THE DISASTER

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the disaster was not caused by an earthquake, but by a "glacial collapse and debris flow." The agency stated that this situation led to "catastrophic effects" in the downstream basin.

The statement noted, "Additional analysis of nearby seismic stations, long-period seismic waves, and satellite imagery allowed us to determine that the event was actually a glacial collapse and debris flow, and that no earthquake occurred."

It was also reported that 3 people lost their lives due to a landslide in Gyirong, in China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and 558 people, 260 of whom are foreign nationals, are missing. It was stated that the flood and landslide on the Nepalese side also affected the Gyirong Port.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang reportedly traveled to the disaster area in Gyirong with officials from relevant departments to oversee emergency rescue and relief efforts on-site. Gyirong Port is known as Tibet's main foreign trade port and plays an important role in China's trade with Nepal.