A massive glacial collapse triggered devastating flash floods near the Nepal–China border, destroying homes, roads and bridges as rescuers race against time to find survivors.

At least 165 people have been killed in Nepal after catastrophic flash floods swept through communities near the Nepal–China border, while more than 1,300 people remain missing across Nepal and Tibet.

The disaster struck on Wednesday, August 26, after a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas unleashed a destructive torrent of water, ice, rocks and mud into the river system, overwhelming communities and cutting off major routes.

Three additional deaths have been reported in Tibet, with authorities warning that the casualty figures could rise as rescue teams gain access to areas that remain difficult to reach.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said an initial seismic signal that was believed to be an earthquake was later determined to have been caused by the collapse of the glacier and the movement of debris.

Nepalese authorities said 826 people are still missing in Nepal, while Chinese authorities have reported 558 missing in Tibet. Among those unaccounted for are hundreds of foreign nationals, including tourists and pilgrims who were in the affected areas when the floods struck.

The sheer force of the floodwaters destroyed homes, swept away vehicles and damaged critical infrastructure. At least 19 bridges and approximately 40 kilometres of roads have reportedly been washed away in Nepal, making it extremely difficult for emergency teams to reach some communities.

Rescue operations are being conducted with helicopters, drones, search dogs and other specialised equipment as authorities search for survivors and recover victims.

However, rescuers are facing major challenges, including destroyed roads and bridges, unstable terrain, debris-filled waterways and the remoteness of several affected communities.

Families are anxiously waiting for news of relatives whose whereabouts remain unknown, while emergency agencies continue to assess the scale of the destruction.

Authorities in both Nepal and Tibet have intensified search-and-rescue efforts as concerns grow that more victims could be discovered once isolated areas become accessible.

The disaster has left communities along the Himalayan river system facing a humanitarian emergency, with urgent needs for rescue, medical assistance, shelter and safe access to affected areas.