Mudslide Triggered by Earthquake at Nepal-China Border Kills Dozens, Leaves Hundreds Missing

Footage recorded in the aftermath of flash flooding along the Nepal-China border documents the moment mudslides engulfed multiple structures as residents evacuated the area in Gyirong, Tibet. A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck just seven minutes before the video captured the scene of people fleeing the disaster zone, according to findings from the German Research Centre for Geosciences. Nepal’s foreign minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that seismic activity may have triggered the catastrophic event.

Authorities have determined that the earthquake likely caused an ice-rock avalanche that subsequently flowed into the Lhende Khola River in Nepal. The death toll has reached at least 95 confirmed fatalities, with rescue teams recovering bodies throughout the affected region. At least 484 tourists remain unaccounted for, including a minimum of three U.S. citizens, though additional Americans may be missing according to various reports.

The U.S. State Department stated it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Nepali authorities to assist American citizens in the disaster zone. Officials cautioned that a secondary flood poses a significant risk due to debris blockage persisting in the Lhende Khola River. Sixty-five individuals are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu and surrounding areas.

China has deployed 574 rescue personnel to Gyirong, though initial estimates indicated several hours would be required for teams to reach the affected site. India’s government and the European Union have pledged humanitarian support, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing solidarity and offering assistance. The EU activated its Copernicus satellite monitoring program to map damage and support emergency response operations.