Nepalese officials initially announced that an earthquake was the cause of a deadly flood at the border of their country with Tibet, but scientific investigations show that a landslide of rocks and ice likely blocked the river and that the breaking of this natural dam created a devastating wave of water and mud.

Agence France-Presse reported that at least 160 people died in the incident and hundreds were reported missing.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the tremors that were first thought to be an earthquake of magnitude 4.4 were likely caused by a landslide. Expert assessments also indicate an avalanche of rocks and ice and the blocking of the "Lhende" river.

The lack of rainfall before the incident made early warning difficult. Experts say that the sudden breaking of natural dams can create a fast-moving surge of water, mud, and debris that, according to a hydrologist, moves like "liquid concrete."

Experts say it is still too early to definitively link this disaster to climate change, although rising temperatures, glacier retreat, and the reduction of permanent ice can increase the risk of landslides and floods in the Himalayas.