Kathmandu: Nepal could face another major flood within the next three days after China warned of a possible breach of a newly formed barrier lake upstream.
The alert comes days after a glacier collapse triggered a powerful flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River and a separate mudslide struck China’s Gyirong Port near the Nepal border.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the Bhotekoshi disaster was linked to a glacier collapse rather than rainfall. Satellite imagery indicated that a large section of glacier from the Langtang Lirung area fell into the Lhende River, creating a natural blockage before releasing a destructive surge of water, mud and boulders.
Meanwhile, China reported that a barrier lake near the Chhochen Khola-Purepu Tsangpo confluence was holding around two million cubic metres of water and had begun overflowing. Officials warned that another three million cubic metres could enter the lake over the next three days, increasing the risk of a breach.
Nepal has advised people living along the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers to avoid riverbanks as authorities remain on alert.
The latest threat has renewed concerns over the increasing risks posed by rapidly changing Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes.