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The disaster struck Wednesday after part of a glacier and surrounding rock collapsed high in the Himalayas, sending a powerful torrent of water, ice, mud and debris into rivers flowing toward Nepal. Scientists analyzing satellite imagery say the collapse involved both glacier and underlying bedrock.

The latest reports indicate that 826 people are missing in Nepal, including hundreds of foreign nationals. Another 558 people are reported missing in Tibet’s Gyirong County, bringing the combined number of missing to nearly 1,400–1,500. The figures remain fluid as authorities continue identifying victims and reconciling lists.

At least 350 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal, while China has reported three deaths in Tibet. Officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach areas that have remained inaccessible.

Among the missing are hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims from more than 30 countries. Nepalese tourism officials have reported 540 missing foreign tourists, while the missing include at least 65 Americans, dozens of Britons, Australians, Canadians, Ukrainians and citizens of numerous other countries.

The affected area includes major trekking and pilgrimage routes connecting Nepal with Tibet, including routes used by travelers heading toward Mount Kailash. Entire sections of roads and bridges have been washed away, while homes, businesses and infrastructure have been buried under massive amounts of mud.

Rabbi Chezki Lipshitz, the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach’s Shliach in Kathmandu, described an extremely difficult situation as the extent of the destruction continues to emerge.

According to Rabbi Lipschitz, reports from affected areas indicate that the disaster could become “the largest disaster in Nepal’s history, at least in terms of destruction.” He said that reports of thousands of casualties were circulating while communications with numerous affected areas remained cut off.

The Chabad House in Kathmandu has long served Jewish travelers visiting Nepal, and Rabbi Lipschitz has previously assisted Israelis and other Jewish travelers during emergencies in the country’s remote regions.

Rescue teams are using helicopters to search for survivors and deliver emergency supplies to communities that have been cut off by the destruction. Thousands of security personnel have been deployed, but damaged roads, destroyed bridges, difficult mountain terrain and continuing landslide risks are making rescue operations extremely challenging.

Authorities are also monitoring the possibility of additional flooding caused by water accumulating behind debris in the affected river system, adding another danger for communities downstream.

The disaster has prompted an international response, with multiple countries providing assistance and tracking missing nationals. The United States has pledged emergency assistance, while neighboring countries and international organizations are also involved in relief efforts.

Warning to Travelers: Israeli travelers in Nepal are being urged to exercise extreme caution and stay away from affected areas, rivers and streams, landslide-prone slopes and locations where flooding or infrastructure collapse is possible.

The Israeli Embassy in Kathmandu maintains consular services for Israelis in Nepal and lists an emergency contact number for those requiring assistance.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams continuing to search for missing people and authorities warning that casualty figures may change significantly as previously inaccessible areas are reached.

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