Archive · 27 Aug 2026
China Warns New Barrier Lake Could Trigger Another Nepal Flood
A river near the Nepal-China border was blocked by rocks and ice.
The blocked water formed a new lake upstream.
The lake is still getting bigger and could break through its barrier.
If that happens, a large amount of water could rush downstream and cause another flood.
China warned Nepal about this danger.
Nepal’s disaster agency told people near the lower river areas to stay alert and move to safer places.
The warning came after a deadly flood on Wednesday.
Authorities are still searching for missing people, rescuing residents and clearing damaged roads.
A blockage in the Lhende River upstream of Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi border has created a lake covering about 0.11 square kilometres.
China warned Nepal that the rising lake could breach and cause another major flood in the Bhotekoshi River system.
The lake could receive another 3 million cubic metres of water over the next three days, according to the report.
Nepal’s disaster authorities urged downstream residents, passengers and rescuers to remain vigilant and move away from riverbanks and risky areas.
The warning follows Wednesday’s deadly flooding, in which Nepal’s reported death toll reached 359 by Thursday evening.
- Who
- Chinese authorities warned Nepal; Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued safety warnings.
- What
- A blockage in the Lhende River has formed a rising barrier lake that could breach and trigger another major flood.
- When
- The warning was issued Thursday, one day after the deadly Wednesday flood; the lake could receive another 3 million cubic metres of water over the next three days.
- Where
- About 18 kilometres upstream of the Rasuwagadhi border, near the Nepal-China border, in the Lhende-Bhotekoshi River system.
- Why
- A snow-and-rock landslide or ice-rock avalanche blocked the river, creating a temporary barrier and lake with a risk of outburst.
- Lake area
- Approximately 0.11 square kilometres
- Location of blockage
- About 18 kilometres upstream of the Rasuwagadhi border
- Potential additional inflow
- About 3 million cubic metres of water over the next three days
- Flooded river system
- The Lhende River, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River
- Previous flood death toll
- 359 reported deaths by 5 PM Thursday
- Downstream advice
- Residents, passengers, rescuers and agencies were told to stay vigilant and away from riverbanks and risky areas
- Initial reported cause
- A snow-rock landslide or ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-China border
