Satellite images show aftermath of flooding on Nepal-Tibet border
Satellite images have captured the near-total destruction of buildings, bridges and homes in the area affected by a sudden flood near the Nepal-Tibet border. At least 392 people were killed, while hundreds more are considered missing, ABC News Australia reports.
Destroyed border crossing
High-resolution images obtained by commercial satellite operator Vantor show the aftermath of the disaster in the area of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and Tibet. Images from April 19, 2024, show a multi-storey building, other structures and a basketball court there. In an image dated August 27, 2026, almost all of these objects have disappeared.
According to ABC News Australia, river water levels rose by up to nine metres within 30 minutes, catching people by surprise and causing extensive destruction.
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Villages and bridges downstream
In the downstream village of Syapru Besi, the flow swept away low-lying areas, leaving mud and debris behind. Some homes along the road to the valley survived, while structures closer to the water were destroyed. The search for survivors in the area is complicated by damaged infrastructure.
A bridge across the Trishuli River near Syapru Besi, which was still visible in satellite images in 2023, has also disappeared. Nearby structures and part of the vegetation vanished along with it. Video from the town of Trishuli also captured the water flow washing away another bridge farther down the valley.
Probable cause
ABC News Australia notes that the disaster was likely caused by a section of a Himalayan glacier breaking off and falling into the river. Simon Gascoin, a researcher at the Centre for Spatial Studies of the Biosphere, said Sentinel-2 images indicate that the flood rose at least 2.5 kilometres up the slope.
