5 days ago
China Warns Border Mudslide Lake Could Trigger More Flooding
A huge mudslide near the Nepal-China border blocked a river and created a large lake.
Chinese authorities say the lake could overflow or break through the mud holding it back.
More rain could make the lake fill quickly.
If it breaks, another powerful flood could move downstream.
The disaster has already destroyed homes, bridges, vehicles, and other infrastructure.
Hundreds of people have died, and many others are still missing.
Rescue workers are digging through mud and using boats and dogs to search for survivors.
Officials in both countries are warning people to stay very careful.
China warned that a lake formed by a border mudslide is at high risk of breaching after continued rainfall.
A possible breach could send more floodwaters toward Gyirong Port and downstream areas.
Nepal’s reported death toll reached 392, while 910 people remained out of contact.
Chinese state media reported three deaths and 558 people missing on the Chinese side.
Rescue teams continued searching through mud and debris as authorities deployed emergency workers, dogs, and boats.
- Who
- Residents, travelers, and rescue workers in Nepal and Tibet were affected; Chinese and Nepali authorities are managing the response.
- What
- A massive mudslide caused deadly flooding and formed a lake that Chinese authorities warn could breach.
- Where
- The disaster occurred along the Nepal-China border, including Gyirong Port, Timure, and downstream areas.
- When
- The warning was reported late Thursday, August 27, during ongoing rescue operations.
- Why
- Continued rainfall could increase inflows into the lake, while debris blocking the river could cause another flood surge.
Key facts
- Nepal death toll
- 392 people, according to the reported toll; Nepali police said 389 bodies had been recovered.
- People out of contact in Nepal
- 910, including 517 foreign tourists.
- Deaths reported in Tibet
- Three people, according to Chinese state media.
- People missing in Tibet
- 558, including 260 foreigners.
- Forecast lake inflow
- About 3 million cubic metres over the following three days if rainfall continued.
- Chinese emergency response
- Nearly 800 emergency workers, sniffer dogs, and speed boats were deployed.
- Main risk
- A breach of the newly formed lake could send floodwaters downstream and cause further damage.
Quotes
Xinhua
Chinese state news agency reporting authorities’ flood-risk forecast
“According to forecasts, inflows into the lake could reach about 3 million cubic meters over the next three days amid continued rainfall, increasing the risk of a breach that could send floodwaters downstream and potentially cause further damage in areas including Gyirong Port and elsewhere downstream.”
wionews.com
Omkar Joshi
35-year-old Nepali customs agent and disaster survivor in Timure
“It is a giant graveyard. All that is left are sand and pebbles, soaked red by human blood.”
wionews.com
Sources
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