Nepal has issued a fresh high alert after water began flowing out of a barrier lake formed by a landslide in Tibet, raising concerns of another flood in areas already devastated by Wednesday’s deadly flash floods.
The Nepal Police and disaster authorities have urged people living along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers and those involved in rescue operations to immediately move to safer locations. Authorities are closely monitoring the rising water levels and the possibility of another sudden surge downstream.
Barrier Lake Holds More Than 2 Million Cubic Metres of Water
The barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Tibet after a massive landslide. Chinese authorities have reported that the lake holds more than 2 million cubic metres of water and has started overflowing.
The water is linked to the Bhote Koshi river system, increasing concerns about further flooding in Nepal. However, Nepal’s disaster authority said the latest flow towards Nepal had not yet shown a significant increase and was currently around one-sixth of the intensity of the earlier flash flood.
China Suspends Rescue Operations
China has suspended rescue operations in the affected Tibetan area because of the risk posed by the rising lake and unstable terrain. Rescue teams have reportedly been instructed to move about 1 km away from the danger zone, while vehicles involved in the operation have also been withdrawn.
Officials are working to manage the growing water body and reduce the risk of another major flood.
Nepal Police Issues High Alert
Nepal Police has warned residents and rescue teams in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert and move to safe locations if necessary. Rescue and relief operations have also been affected by the renewed threat.
The fresh warning comes after devastating flash floods earlier this week killed hundreds of people and left more than 1,300 people missing, according to the latest reports.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as water levels in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli systems remain a major concern.