Nepal flood: Glacier collapse likely cause of deadly disaster

A devastating flash flood in Nepal, suspected to be caused by a massive glacier collapse, has claimed the lives of nearly 100 people, leaving more than 300 missing. Satellite images reveal a dramatic detachment of a glacier section from an altitude of around 5,200 meters, which then plunged 1,200 meters into the valley.

Experts examining Planet Labs satellite images suggest the flood began when the lower part of a glacier disintegrated, carrying large amounts of rock and sediment. While the exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, Nepalese authorities are exploring a potential connection to an earthquake that struck the region shortly before the disaster.

The scale of the destruction is evident in before-and-after satellite photos, showing slopes once covered in lush vegetation now buried under debris and mud. Geologist Vikram Gupta confirmed a significant glacier front collapse, likely dislodging substantial rock and sediment.

Dan Shugar, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, estimated from the images that the glacier segment fell from about 5,200 meters to the valley floor. Images also suggest considerable snowmelt in the 24 hours preceding the event, with glaciers appearing as bare ice the next day, indicating potentially high temperatures.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal reported the flood occurred on the Lhende River following a landslide approximately 20 kilometers northeast of a Nepal-China border crossing. Prakash Pokharel, a geologist with the authority, described it as an "avalanche of ice and rocks" on the Nepalese side, though the earthquake's role as a trigger is not yet confirmed.

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We lost my best friend and coach. We won so many battles together. This one we couldn't win. M-Team will always be our story. Love you, Dad.