On 26 August, a cross-border natural disaster struck in Nepal and Tibet. A glacier on Nepal’s Langtang Lirung mountain fractured, and the collapse of this glacier triggered a mighty avalanche equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, causing the Trishuli River to swell into a deadly, overwhelming landslide of rock, mud, and debris hurtling downstream through the mountainous Rasuwa district on the Nepalese side and Gyirong County on the Tibetan side. The consequences were devastating, with videos and photos of the destruction of homes and villages proliferating across social media. As of the writing of this article, the death toll has passed one thousand, with close to four thousand missing—including 583 foreigners. (Euro News)

This environmental and human tragedy has given ample cause for Nepal’s immediate neighbors, and countries around the world, to unite. China—which was hit specifically in the Gyirong Port border crossing area with Nepal, in the city of Shigatse—has been a major contributor of relief, as has been India, another neighbor of Nepal. The Modi government dispatched fifty-seven tons of relief materials—including temporary shelters, blankets, and medicines—a nineteen-member forensic analysis team, dedicated tunnel rescue personnel, and thirteen military personnel. China sent transport aircraft carrying fifty tons of emergency relief supplies, while also deploying its own specialist tunnel-rescue experts. Due to Chinese proximity to the affected areas in Nepal, it also coordinated real-time hydrological data and border-area evacuations. (The Kathmandu Post) Other countries like the UAE, the UK, and more have also pledged support and funds.

The catastrophe, which is still unfolding, has also rallied Buddhist leaders around the world. On 28 August, His Majesty the Fifth King of Bhutan and the royal family, along with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Queen, and the Queen Mothers, lit one thousand butter lamps at the Grand Kuenrey (assembly hall) of Tashichhodzong (the fortress-monastery housing the Bhutanese throne room and government), in honor of the victims who had lost their lives or loved ones in Nepal and China. A day before, His Holiness the Dalai Lama released a short but powerful statement concerning the floods, before mobilizing his monks to offer special prayers and recitation of Avalokiteshvara’s six syllable mantra for the victims. (Tibetan Review) His statement read as follows:

I am saddened to learn of the devastating floods in the Rasuwa region of Nepal and Kyirong in Tibet, resulting in loss of life and heavy structural damage. I pray for all those who have lost their lives, and offer my sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and to all those affected by this tragedy.

Since this region has seen calamities in the past as well, these are certainly symptoms of a deeper underlying cause—whether climate change or other factors. I hope that appropriate follow-up measures will be taken, wherever possible, to help ensure that such disasters do not recur. (His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

The Dalai Lama is correct in noting that indications point toward climate change as the deeper underlying cause. But consensus on an immediate cause, or a possible exacerbation or trigger—such as human factors like construction or engineering—remains uncertain and already has been the subject of contentious, often politically-charged division. On X, the Wall Street Journal posted a link to one of its opinion pieces, whose author insinuated that a Chinese mega-construction project had something to do with the landslide. The post was given a Community Note, with X users clarifying that the project mentioned is located over five hundred kilometers away from Langtung Lirung.

Netizens might also have noticed an unpleasant and unproductive information and meme war occurring between social media accounts that advocate for certain Indian or pro-Western political causes and grievances, and others that support pro-Chinese perspectives. Accusations have flown from multiple directions, with some outlets criticizing the Chinese government of restrictions on independent reporting about the current state of post-landslide monasteries or active religious communities. Meanwhile, accounts on Chinese social media like RedNote (Xiaohongshu) and Bilibili have shown footage of the affected regions and rescue efforts, with users suggesting that some platforms have been engaging in speculative accusations. 

His Holiness’ message did not specify what his aforementioned “other factors” might mean, but this ambiguity is both necessary and helpful. It could imply his concern at a lack of communication, and perhaps government officials and scientists in China should engage in more bilateral co-monitoring of major mountains and glaciers, as the website Tibetan Review reports Nepalese officials requesting. (Tibetan Review) However, His Holiness also avoided placing blame on any so-called “side,” a word that should not have any serious place amidst a disaster in a region known poetically as the Roof of the World.

The wellbeing of the 4,500 meters-high Tibetan Plateau can be said to be a barometer or indicator of broader, planetary ecological health. The current crisis from Langtang Lirung overlaps with those emanating from other major, melting bodies of ice around the world, including the Arctic and the Antarctic. Politicking and information wars are inevitable, especially given the high-stakes geostrategic implications of control of the Himalayas. But it’s also true that the world needs less of that and more of what the Dalai Lama and other leaders like the Bhutanese royals offer. They have exemplified a spirit of unity, compassion, and generosity. The governments of Nepal, China, India, and others also deserve credit for rallying to tackle the immediate devastation together.

If the Tibetan Plateau is the Roof of the World, then all of humanity lives under it, and we all share the same home.

See more

Death toll passes 1,000 from catastrophic flooding in Nepal and China, officials say (Euro News)
More countries join Nepal flood rescue efforts (The Kathmandu Post)
Dalai Lama leads prayers for flood victims, Nepal renews push for timely data, early warnings from China (Tibetan Review)
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Wall Street Journal: Opinion: China Muddies the Flood Waters in Nepal (X)

Related news reports from BDG

Dalai Lama Offers Condolences as Nepal and Tibet Struggle with Aftermath of Devastating Flash Flood
Nepal Cancels International Tibetan Studies Conference Amid Diplomatic Pressure
Buddhist Statue Returned to its Home in Nepal
Dalai Lama Congratulates Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister, Who Takes Office after Days of Deadly Civil Violence