Catastrophic glacier collapse and flooding in Nepal and Tibet

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a massive glacier collapse near the Langtang Lirung peak in the Himalayas triggered devastating landslides and flash floods that swept through border regions of Nepal and Tibet. Drone footage verified by BBC Verify confirmed the initial landslide near the 7,200-meter peak, which caused a wall of water and debris to destroy border crossings and entire villages. As of August 31, the official death toll reached 788, with 734 deaths reported in Nepal and 16 in Tibet, while approximately 2,500 people remain missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals and pilgrims.

Rescue efforts are currently hampered by damaged infrastructure and adverse weather, with authorities expressing grave concerns over rising water levels in the Bhote Koshi River. The government of Nepal has begun the process of burying unidentified victims after collecting DNA samples for future identification. Meanwhile, international climate experts, including the head of the UN climate agency, have linked the tragedy to the acceleration of glacial melting caused by global warming. The government of Nepal estimates that long-term recovery and reconstruction costs will likely reach several billion dollars as rescue teams remain on high alert for further flood risks.