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China Warns Temporary Lake Could Burst Anytime (Img: X)
New Delhi: Nepal is facing a fresh flood threat days after devastating flash floods killed hundreds, with China warning that a temporary lake formed upstream could breach at any time.
Chinese authorities have informed Nepal about possible risks from the lake, which has developed after a natural blockage formed in the Himalayan region following a glacial collapse.
According to reports, China alerted Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after observing changes in the temporary lake, including a darkening water colour that officials said could indicate increasing instability.
Chinese modelling suggests that if part of the natural barrier collapses, water flow could reach around 500 cubic metres per second into the river system.
Authorities, however, said the current water volume is not large enough to cause a major surge, but communities downstream have been advised to remain cautious.
The lake developed in the upper reaches of the Lhende river system after debris from a glacial collapse created a natural dam.
The affected area lies near the border region involving China’s Tibet region and Nepal’s river network, with water eventually flowing towards rivers connected to the Trishuli system.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources estimated that around 2.5 million cubic metres of water had accumulated in the lake by Friday.
Chinese authorities are using drones and satellite monitoring to track changes in the lake and the stability of the natural barrier.
Officials had earlier estimated that the lake could collect several million cubic metres of additional water in the coming days, increasing pressure on the temporary structure.
The warning comes as Nepal continues rescue and recovery operations after catastrophic flash floods and landslides caused widespread destruction.
Hundreds of people have lost their lives, while many remain missing. Several areas near rivers have suffered damage to homes, roads and bridges.
The latest alert has added another challenge for authorities already dealing with one of Nepal’s worst recent flood disasters.
