Story perspectives

Nepal reports 626 dead after glacial flash flood

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nepal reports 626 dead and 2,426 missing after a glacial collapse triggered a flash flood.
The Nepali army rescued 350 hydropower workers from the Trishuli 3A tunnel and continues searching for over 100 trapped.
China sent nine specialist tunnel-rescue teams, reporting seven deaths and 554 missing, including 261 foreign nationals.
Donors pledged over $15 million, including $500,000 from the U.S. State Department, $2 million from the EU, and $6.8 million from the UK.

History

Historical Context

On 25 April 2015 a magnitude-7.8 quake struck Nepal, the strongest since the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake. India launched Operation Maitri, while China sent rescue teams and the EU contributed €3 million, illustrating a pattern of regional cooperation after major Himalayan disasters. The quake killed at least 153 people and was followed by a 12 May aftershock, reinforcing calls for better glacial monitoring.

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Story summary

Nepal reports 626 dead and 2,426 missing after a glacial collapse triggered a flash flood.
The Nepali army rescued 350 hydropower workers from the Trishuli 3A tunnel and continues searching for over 100 trapped.
China sent nine specialist tunnel-rescue teams, reporting seven deaths and 554 missing, including 261 foreign nationals.
Donors pledged over $15 million, including $500,000 from the U.S. State Department, $2 million from the EU, and $6.8 million from the UK.

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