An ice avalanche high in the Himalayas triggered a catastrophic flash flood on Wednesday, devastating a valley on the border between Nepal and the Tibetan region of China. A massive chunk of ice snapped off a glacier and fell into a river, unleashing a torrent of water, ice, and mud that pulverized everything in its path. The flood swept away homes, bridges, schools, and hydropower projects, killing at least 160 people. Hundreds more remain missing, including over 100 Indians on a pilgrimage and hundreds of foreign tourists.

Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa, an expert in atmospheric and water processes at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, called the disaster a "brutal reminder" that climate extremes make such events likely to recur. The Nepali Army has mobilized rescue and evacuation operations and established a makeshift hospital in the flood zone. Authorities warn the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue in the difficult terrain.