What triggered the catastrophic flood on the Nepal-Tibet border?

Catastrophic floods and a mudslide have devastated the border region between Nepal and China's Tibet, claiming at least nine lives and leaving hundreds of travelers unaccounted for.

The deluge swept away roads, bridges, houses, and power projects in Nepal. A significant mudslide struck Gyirong Port, a crucial land crossing with Tibet, severing all communication and power links to the area. Among the missing are 105 Indian nationals, 93 Nepalis, three U.S. citizens, 12 British citizens, eight South Koreans, 17 Malaysians, four South Africans, and individuals from Australia and the Netherlands.

Authorities are concerned about the possibility of a second flood, as a blockage remains lodged upstream on the Lhende Khola river, which flows through both Nepal and Tibet. Flood alerts have been issued for the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which lie in the path of rivers flowing down from the Himalayas.

Rescue efforts are underway, with police and military personnel engaged in operations. However, officials state that helicopters cannot land in the affected areas until the waters recede. China has deployed over 574 rescuers to Gyirong Port, but flood sediment presents a significant challenge. India is coordinating closely with Nepal on relief efforts, and South Korea plans to send a rapid-response team.