A dangerous new threat is looming over flood-hit Nepal, with China warning of a high risk of breach in the next 72 hours from a massive barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers. According to a Global Times report citing China’s Ministry of Water Resources, the lake had swelled to an estimated 2 million cubic metres by Thursday morning, with another 3 million cubic metres potentially flowing into the natural dam over the next three days. The warning raises fears of a far larger flood surge in villages already devastated by the flash floods along the Nepal-China border.
China Central Television reported that Chinese authorities are running real-time flood simulations to aid emergency rescue efforts and mitigate secondary outburst risks downstream.
The alarming warning comes as Nepal struggles with the devastating aftermath of Wednesday’s flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River corridor, where the confirmed death toll has reached 270. Search and rescue personnel, comprising the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, have recovered hundreds of victims downstream, including 121 bodies retrieved from the Narayani River alone by Thursday afternoon.
Hundreds of people, including over 600 foreign nationals and pilgrims, remain unaccounted for across affected Himalayan districts.
Chinese Prime Minister visits mudslide area
Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang has arrived at the Tibet mudslide area, state media report.
“With the support of General Secretary Xi Jinping… Premier Li Qiang, leading comrades from relevant departments, arrived at the disaster-stricken area of Gyirong Town, Gyirong County, Tibet to guide emergency rescue and relief work, and to visit rescue workers and affected people,” state news agency Xinhua reported.
The disaster began Wednesday when a massive mudslide and flood originating on the Nepali side struck Gyirong Port.
Meanwhile, India has stepped up humanitarian assistance for Nepal, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating that a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, medicines and food packets has departed for the flood-hit country. The death toll in Nepal from flash floods has risen to 271, while around 1,400 are reported to be missing.
(With agency inputs)