USGS: Nepal flash flood triggered by glacier collapse

A glacier collapse in Nepal, suspected of triggering a flash flood, caused seismic vibrations of magnitude 5.2 that scientists initially mistook for an earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

“A seismic event of magnitude 5.2 occurred near the border between Nepal and China on 26 August. The USGS determined that the seismic event was a glacier collapse and debris flow that subsequently caused devastating impacts downstream,” the USGS said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The event was initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake,” it added.

However, further analysis of the data showed that no earthquake had occurred. The seismic waves were caused by the collapse of the glacier and a mudflow, according to the statement.

A torrent of water then swept through the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s mountainous region on Wednesday. The flash flood was previously reported to have been caused by an earthquake that subsequently triggered a landslide.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, more than 660 tourists were reported missing after the flood.