Landslide lake overflows on Nepal-China border renews fears of another deadly flood

A landslide lake on the Nepal-China border ruptured on Friday, sending water cascading into the Bhotekoshi River and sparking fears of another deadly flood. The reservoir had filled with over 2.5 million cubic meters of water by August 28, prompting authorities to suspend rescue operations and alert residents to flee to higher ground.

Just two days prior, a catastrophic flood triggered by a glacier collapse claimed 494 lives in Nepal and Tibet, leaving nearly 1,000 people missing. This new threat has heightened concerns that a sudden release of water could exacerbate the destruction caused by the initial flood. Chinese rescue teams were ordered to withdraw and remain on standby in a safe area, while Nepalese authorities temporarily halted rescue efforts before resuming them after reassessing the risk.

At least 540 missing persons are foreigners, many believed to be Hindu pilgrims from India en route to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Chinese President Xi Jinping convened a meeting to coordinate the country's response, emphasizing the need for scientific search-and-rescue plans and stronger monitoring of glacier lakes, landslide risks, and barrier lakes.

Despite offers of international assistance, Nepal has not yet accepted foreign search-and-rescue teams, deeming their security agencies sufficient for now.