Chinese authorities have issued an urgent warning regarding a "high risk" that a newly formed barrier lake near the Nepal-Tibet border could burst, potentially triggering a second wave of flooding downstream. This alert follows the deadly flash flood that occurred on Wednesday, which scientists attribute to the collapse of a mountain glacier near Langtang Lirung into a river, causing a massive surge of water and debris.
As of Friday morning, the barrier lake—formed at the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers—had accumulated approximately 2.5 million cubic metres of water, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Officials anticipate an additional three million cubic metres of water will flow into the lake between Thursday and Saturday, further heightening the risk of a breach. China's Ministry of Water Resources reports that the lake, which is located in an area experiencing heavy rainfall, has already begun to overflow.
Engineering teams have been deployed to the region to monitor water levels and atmospheric conditions. However, the situation remains precarious; a CCTV report indicated that most Chinese emergency services are currently stationed at a village roughly 7km (4 miles) from Gyirong Port, a major land crossing between Nepal and China that sustained significant damage during Wednesday's event. Because the lake is "overflowing non-stop," authorities have been forced to suspend search and rescue operations in the immediate vicinity of the border due to the threat of fresh floods or debris flows.
The impact of the disaster has been severe. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in Nepal, with hundreds more listed as missing. On the Tibetan side of the border, reports indicate that over 550 people are missing, nearly half of whom are foreign nationals. In response to the ongoing danger, Nepali authorities have also issued warnings regarding potential blockages along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers and have advised the public to remain clear of these waterways until further notice.
Collapsed glacier likely caused devastating Nepal-Tibet floods, scientists say
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