Chinese authorities have issued a serious warning about a newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border, cautioning that it poses a significant threat of rupturing and triggering another devastating flood. The barrier lake emerged following a recent landslide in the region and now contains an estimated 2.5 million cubic metres of water as of Friday morning. Officials project that an additional three million cubic metres will accumulate over the coming days, substantially increasing the danger of the lake’s banks giving way.
The warning comes in the aftermath of Wednesday’s catastrophic flash flood, which scientists attribute to a glacier collapse that channeled massive volumes of water and debris downstream. The barrier lake, situated where two major rivers converge, has already begun overflowing continuously. Heavy rainfall in the area is exacerbating the situation, creating what authorities describe as an extremely hazardous scenario for downstream communities.
In response to the escalating risks, Chinese emergency teams have been deployed to monitor water levels and weather conditions around the clock. However, rescue and search operations near the border have been suspended due to the threat of additional flooding. Most emergency personnel remain stationed approximately seven kilometres away from Gyirong Port, a critical crossing point that was severely impacted by Wednesday’s disaster.
The death toll from the initial flood has climbed into the hundreds, with over 550 people reported missing on the Tibetan side of the border alone. Nepali authorities have similarly warned of potential blockages that could trigger further flooding along local river systems.
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