5 days ago
Overflowing Lake Threatens Flood-Hit China-Nepal Border Regions
A lake formed when water became trapped behind rocks and debris near the China-Nepal border.
The lake is now filling up and starting to overflow.
This could cause another flood in areas already damaged earlier this week.
China and Nepal paused rescue work to keep rescuers safe.
More rain is expected, which could make the lake grow larger.
Some Nepalese rescue workers moved to higher ground.
Officials in Nepal saw the river rising but did not know exactly how high the water had reached.
Rescue efforts may resume when the danger becomes clearer.
A dammed lake upstream of the Gyirong border port has begun to overflow, Chinese state media reported.
China and Nepal temporarily halted rescue operations as water levels rose and flood risks increased.
Aerial footage showed brown water accumulating behind debris and stones, submerging bushes and trees.
More rain is forecast over the coming week, potentially increasing the lake’s volume and flooding threat.
Nepalese officials said river levels were rising, while the current height of the water remained unclear.
- Who
- Chinese and Nepalese authorities, rescue workers, and residents in the affected border areas.
- What
- A dammed, or barrier, lake upstream of the Gyirong border port began overflowing, prompting a temporary suspension of rescue operations.
- Where
- In the border regions of Nepal and Tibet, upstream of the Gyirong border port, including Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
- When
- The overflow warning and suspension were reported Friday, after aerial footage was captured Thursday; more rain is expected over the following week.
- Why
- The lake’s water volume is increasing, river levels are rising, and forecast rainfall could intensify the risk of flooding.
Key facts
- Immediate risk
- The barrier lake has begun to overflow and may cause flooding in border regions.
- Rescue operations
- China and Nepal temporarily suspended rescue operations because of the renewed danger.
- Earlier disaster
- The areas had already been hit by a devastating flash flood earlier in the week.
- Forecast
- More rainfall is expected over the coming week.
- Observed conditions
- Aerial footage showed brown water, submerged vegetation, and a debris-and-stone barrier with no visible outlet.
- Nepalese observations
- Officials in Rasuwa district said the river was rising but that the current water level was unclear.
- Safety response
- Some Nepalese rescue workers moved toward higher ground after receiving warnings.
Quotes
Pawan Koirala
Nepalese rescue worker leading a 13-member team
“The volume of water is continuing to increase, and so is the risk”
telegraphindia.com
“We are here for rescue and don't want to be near the danger zone”
telegraphindia.com
Narendra Pariyar
Senior bureaucrat of Nepal’s Rasuwa district
“We can see that the level of water in the river is rising”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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