The disaster began when a magnitude‑5.2 seismic event was recorded near the Nepal‑China border at 8:37 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Scientists first called it an earthquake, but later evidence shows a glacier fell and created a massive debris flow that turned into flash floods.

Experts say a glacial collapse likely triggered the flooding, sending a huge wall of water and mud down the Bhote Koshi River.

The flash floods have killed more than 1,200 people and left over 4,000 people still missing.

Ang Faulkner, a Nepalese woman now living in Nova Scotia, Canada, says her home village of Syabrubesi was completely washed away.

She says she has lost hundreds of relatives, neighbours and childhood friends, and many of them are still missing.

The tragedy shows how a distant natural event can cause huge loss far away, and it reminds us of the need for quick rescue and long‑term help for the survivors.