Beijing: China has warned of a “high risk” that a newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border could breach its banks and trigger another flood downstream.
The warning comes just days after a deadly flash flood struck the same region. Scientists believe the earlier disaster was caused by the collapse of a mountain glacier into a river, sending a huge surge of water and debris downstream.
Water continues to build up
Around 2.5 million cubic metres of water had accumulated in the barrier lake by Friday morning, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Authorities said another three million cubic metres of water could flow into the lake between Thursday and the weekend, increasing the risk of a breach.
The lake formed where the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers meet after debris blocked the river system. China’s Ministry of Water Resources said the lake had already begun overflowing.
Heavy rain in the region has added to the concerns.
Rescue work suspended over safety fears
Chinese authorities have sent engineering teams to monitor the lake’s water levels and atmospheric conditions.
However, the growing danger has disrupted rescue operations near the border.
CCTV reported that many Chinese emergency personnel were unable to move beyond a village around seven kilometres from Gyirong Port, an important land crossing between Nepal and China that was affected by Wednesday’s flood.
Officials said the barrier lake was continuing to overflow, creating the possibility of another flood or dangerous debris flows.
Because of the risk, search and rescue operations near the Nepal-Tibet border have been suspended.
Nepal also warns people to stay away
Nepali authorities have separately warned about possible blockages and further flooding along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
People living near the rivers have been advised to stay away from the waterways until further notice.
Region faces another dangerous wait
The barrier lake lies in the same region as Langtang Lirung peak, where scientists believe the glacier involved in the earlier disaster originated.
The latest warning has added another layer of danger to an area already struggling with the aftermath of the devastating flash flood.
Several hundred people have died in Nepal, with hundreds more reported missing. On the Tibet side alone, more than 550 people remain missing, with nearly half reportedly foreigners.
With water continuing to enter the barrier lake and heavy rain affecting the area, authorities are closely watching the situation for signs of a possible second flood.