또 ‘빙하 쓰나미’ 비상…네팔·중국 국경 ‘자연 댐’ 호수 2곳 위험수위

The formation of two new lakes on both sides of the Nepal-China border due to recent glacial floods has raised concerns about potential secondary flooding. According to reports, melting ice and rocks from a massive flood that occurred on August 26th created natural dams in rivers, resulting in two lakes on each side of the border.

Authorities in both nations have warned that if these lakes burst, it could lead to additional flooding. The Nepal Disaster Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued an additional alert based on data from the Nepal Water and Meteorological Agency, stating that the lakes' rising water levels pose a risk of bursting. In response, authorities advised people to remain vigilant and stay in safe locations away from hazardous areas.

Similarly, Chinese authorities have warned that the water levels in the newly-formed dam lake on their side could overflow, potentially leading to collapse. They estimate that 3 million cubic meters of water will flow into a lake in Tibet over the next three days, equivalent to the size of a 1,200-meter Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The maximum inflow is expected to peak on September 1st. Chinese water resources authorities predict a continued rise in water levels in the region over the coming week, with an estimated 15 cubic meters of water entering the natural dam lake per second—one equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized pool in just three minutes. This influx of water could lead to additional flooding, especially in the regions surrounding the Yunnan province.

At least 392 people have died and over 1,400 are missing in Nepal and Tibet since the glacial flood of August 26th. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, with some Nepali rescue teams starting to move to higher ground due to the concern of a second disaster. Nepal authorities have also restricted major highways and relocated vulnerable residents to safer areas to mitigate the risk of further flooding.