Kathmandu— Flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, caused by a glacial collapse last week, have resulted in more than 900 deaths and nearly 5,000 people missing. Rescue efforts are being hindered as many of those missing are believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels swamped with debris.

Cause of the Flash Flood

The catastrophic flood was triggered by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung peak, which sent millions of cubic meters of ice, rock, and water into the Lende River. The resulting surge swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.

Current State of Rescue Efforts

Nepal has mobilized over 21,000 security personnel for rescue operations, with additional support from China and India. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that Beijing is searching for missing nationals and foreigners while providing medical treatment and preventing secondary disasters. Indian forces have also sent in tunnel rescue experts and forensic teams to assist.

Tunnel Traps Complicate Rescue

Among the missing are 933 workers stationed at hydropower projects along the flooded rivers. Many are believed trapped beneath mud and rock debris in tunnels. Raja Ram Basnet, spokesperson for the Nepal army, noted that a large amount of debris has made it difficult to open the tunnels.

Challenges Facing Rescue Teams

Rescue operations have been repeatedly halted due to bad weather and rising river waters. Two barrier lakes formed during the floods pose additional risks, with one threatening downstream hydropower tunnels and flood survivors.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.