Nepal, China warn of fresh flood risks with lakes threatening to burst

Nepal and China have issued warnings regarding the potential for further flooding in the Himalayas, as two lakes on either side of their border approach the risk of bursting. This comes after a catastrophic flood this week that struck the border regions of Nepal and China's Tibet, claiming at least 362 lives. Search and rescue efforts continue, with nearly 1,000 people still unaccounted for.

Both nations attribute the initial flood to a glacier collapse that released rock, ice, mud, and debris into the mountainous river systems.

Nepal's disaster authority issued a notice on Thursday, alerting residents to the rising water level in a lake formed by a river blockage at the flood site. They urged everyone to exercise caution and seek refuge in safe locations away from the riverbanks and hazardous areas. Meanwhile, China is bracing for a substantial influx of water, estimating 3 million cubic meters – equivalent to around 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools – to flow into a dammed lake on their side of the border within the next three days.

This surge in water volume is expected to peak around September 1, heightening the risk of a breach, according to the Chinese water resources ministry.

Forecasted rain over the coming week will only exacerbate the danger, as confirmed by the ministry. Chinese researchers have noted that the water levels are rising and the risk is growing. In response to the warnings, some rescue workers in Nepal have begun evacuating to higher ground, including Pawan Koirala, a team leader who moved away from the riverbed to avoid the danger zone.