China has warned of a high risk that a newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border could burst, potentially triggering a second major flood in an area already devastated by a deadly disaster.
The lake formed after a massive glacier and landslide blocked the flow of a river near the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo. Authorities reported that the lake began overflowing on Friday.
Chinese authorities said the lake was holding more than 2.5 million cubic metres of water, up from an estimated 1.5 to two million cubic metres the previous day.
A further three million cubic metres of water could flow into the lake over the coming days, raising fears that the natural barrier could give way and unleash a powerful surge downstream.
As a precaution, China has temporarily suspended search and rescue operations in the worst-affected areas of Tibet. Emergency teams have been ordered to move to safer locations while authorities continue monitoring the lake and surrounding conditions.
The warning comes just two days after severe flash floods struck the Nepal-China border region, following a glacier collapse that sent torrents of water, mud and rocks through nearby communities.
The disaster destroyed homes, bridges, roads and other essential infrastructure, leaving rescue teams facing increasingly difficult conditions as landslides, mudflows and further snow or ice collapses remain a threat.
In Nepal, at least 469 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 1,400 remain missing, including foreign tourists and pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash.
Authorities have also urged residents living along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to remain vigilant and stay away from riverbanks as rising water levels could lead to further flooding.
Meanwhile, Nepal has begun aerial surveys along the Bhote Koshi River after reports emerged that the lake may have already breached. Officials said the flights would help establish more accurate information on the volume of water released and the areas that could be at risk.
The latest threat has added another layer of danger to an already devastating disaster, with rescue operations continuing amid damaged infrastructure and the possibility of another major flood.
Authorities on both sides of the border remain on alert as they monitor water levels and assess the potential downstream impact of the unstable lake.
