Nepal's massive mudslide released enormous force as it traveled downstream, and inundation levels reached record heights in some areas, according to geological experts at the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development based in Kathmandu on Tuesday
Experts at the center have carried out a technical review of the mudslide disaster's evolution and hazards. They highlighted the canyon funnel effect, where the mudslide rushed downwards from its high-altitude source and multiplied its destructive power in the border region.
Areas within 20 kilometers of the port have extremely steep and narrow alpine canyons. Satellite imagery estimates show traces of flood scouring and hazard impact heights topped nearly 150 meters. When the flood peak flowed into the Trishuli River, the measured water level still stood at 15 to 20 meters.
"This mudslide flowed at an extremely high speed with tremendous impact force and overwhelming energy. Coupled with sediment deposits left over from last year, flood peaks of exceptionally high water levels were formed. These resulted in extremely severe damage downstream," said Sudan Bikash Maharjan, a cryosphere remote sensing analyst at the center.
The death toll from the devastating mudslide in Nepal has risen to 1,204, with 4,216 people still missing as of 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
A total of 301 people have been injured, while 21,314 security personnel have been mobilized for search, rescue and relief operations, the authority said.
Extreme terrain triggers massive kinetic energy in flood peak: expert
