Nepal presses China for real-time glacier data after deadly Himalayan flood

Nepal is urging China for real-time data on glaciers, river levels, and extreme weather after a deadly Himalayan flood exposed the shortcomings in their cross-border early-warning system. The disaster, which killed nearly 800 people and left over 3,000 missing, occurred three months after Nepalese and Chinese officials met in Kathmandu to discuss enhanced cooperation on monitoring floods, severe weather, and glacier-related risks.

Despite signing an agenda to reduce disaster risks, including mapping glacial lakes and identifying vulnerable areas, Nepalese officials claim they did not receive sufficient information from China following the meeting. A senior hydrologist from Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division stated that they still desire real-time updates on the movement of glaciers and changes in water levels.

The flood was triggered by a massive glacier collapse, resulting in a rapid flow of water and mud through downstream communities. China's Foreign Ministry did not provide a response to Reuters' requests for comment on the May meeting or Nepal's request for increased information-sharing. However, they claimed that they remained in close contact and had made significant progress at the meeting in improving cross-border disaster information-sharing.

Nepalese officials highlight that the shortcomings in cooperation did not directly cause the disaster but emphasized their priority to strengthen coordination with China.