Nepal says dam burst in Tibet, warns rescuers to head to safety
The U.S. Geological Survey said the disaster on Wednesday was caused by a glacial collapse that triggered a vast flow of icy debris.
Kathmandu, Nepal - Nepal has issued a warning for residents to seek higher ground after a dam upstream in Tibet reportedly burst, following a glacial collapse that led to deadly flooding two days earlier. Police have instructed all security personnel, rescue workers, and the general public involved in rescue and relief efforts to remain vigilant and move to safe locations if necessary.
The disaster, described as the deadliest for Nepal since a 2015 earthquake, occurred on Wednesday and was attributed to a glacial collapse that triggered a massive flow of debris. China has temporarily halted its rescue operation in the most affected region of Tibet due to increased flood risks. A lake has formed at the China-Nepal border and is beginning to overflow towards the Gyirong border area, where rescue teams were en route.
Nepal's disaster authority spokesperson, Shanti Mahat, stated that initial water levels have risen slightly in the same area affected by the previous flood, posing a risk of further flooding. She urged all rescue and relief personnel working along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, as well as those in high-risk areas, to exercise extreme caution and relocate to safety immediately if they encounter any danger.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
