A drone photographer in the Himalayan region of Nepal unintentionally documented a catastrophic mudslide triggered by a Himalayan glacial collapse. The footage, shared on Chinese social media platform RedNote, begins with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks. The collapse, visible at eight seconds in, reveals the terrifying power of nature.
Impact of the Glacial Catastrophe
According to the Nepali Times, the event took place south of Langtang Lirung, a towering 24,000-foot (7,000 meters) peak. The photographer, Hei Mu, shared on RedNote, “I never imagined those loud noises could be an ice avalanche and mudslide, nor did I expect such a huge impact. I was too focused on aerial filming. If we had heard the sounds, we would have immediately called the police.”
BBC Verify authenticated the footage, confirming it aligns with the flood water’s path down the Trishuli River. This calamity saw the mountain’s bedrock give way, sending 500 million tons of rock and ice down Langtang’s north face, plunging 5,000 feet (1,500 meters).
Security camera footage previously highlighted the tragedy’s extent, showing the rock and ice destroying a crucial border crossing between Nepal and China. The Associated Press reports the death toll has surpassed 950, with over 4,400 people still missing. The aftermath has left about 900 workers trapped in 12 hydropower projects damaged by the floods, 500 of whom are inside tunnels.
“These tunnels are big enough to drive trucks through,” says Jakob Steiner, a geoscientist at the University of Graz based in Dhaka. “They have managed to get oxygen to some of those stuck inside and are trying to rescue them now. It’s a race for time, though, as people need food and water.”
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Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What caused the mudslide in Nepal?
A Himalayan glacial collapse triggered the catastrophic mudslide in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
Who shared the footage of the mudslide?
The footage was shared by the drone photographer Hei Mu on the Chinese social media platform RedNote.
How many people are reported missing after the incident?
The death toll has surpassed 950, with over 4,400 people still missing after the incident.