Nepal and China resume flood rescue after lake threat eases

Nepal and China have recommenced flood rescue operations in the Himalayas after a brief suspension due to concerns over an overflowing lake, according to wire material. The lake overflowed during a glacier collapse on Wednesday, which killed at least 579 people in Nepal and five in China's Tibet. The number of people missing in Nepal has nearly doubled to 1,924, while in Tibet's Gyirong County, at least 558 are missing, including 260 foreign nationals.

Over 90,000 people are estimated to have been affected by the disaster. The threat from the lake prompted authorities in Nepal to suspend rescue operations for about three hours, but rescuers returned once the risk was deemed manageable. Nepali officials remain hopeful of finding survivors, while Chinese officials warn that glacial lakes pose ongoing risks.

Satellite imagery shows the second lake growing larger with no visible outlet, raising concerns about potential water pressure buildup. China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the first barrier lake is shrinking but warns it may be unstable. A Chinese government geohazards expert cautioned that over 100 glacial lakes in the area could pose a threat.

The disaster has destroyed infrastructure and caused significant loss of life, particularly in northern India where bodies were found in rivers flowing from Nepal. China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang called for stronger monitoring of glacier lakes and landslide risks, and for closer international disaster cooperation.

Despite international offers of assistance, Nepal has declined foreign rescue help, stating it does not need assistance from other nations.