Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Nepal, Tibet Face Critical 72 Hours as Flood Warning Returns
Nepal and Tibet received a new warning about dangerous rising water.
Officials are worried that a lake near the border could suddenly burst.
If that happens, a large amount of water could rush into rivers and nearby communities.
People living near the Bhotekoshi River have been told to move away from riverbanks and risky areas.
Rescue workers and security personnel have also been told to stay alert.
The next 72 hours are considered especially important.
The possible lake outburst has not been confirmed.
Earlier, a large piece of glacier fell into a Himalayan valley and caused deadly floods.
Those floods destroyed homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities.
Nepal issued a new flood warning after reports of suddenly rising water flows toward Tibet.
Authorities urged residents, travellers, rescuers and security personnel near the Bhotekoshi River to move to safer locations.
China warned that a lake near the Nepal border could grow from nearly 2 million to about 3 million cubic metres within two to three days.
A local official said a possible lake outburst had been reported but could not be confirmed.
Earlier glacier-related flooding killed at least 400 people, while more than 1,000 remain missing across Nepal and Tibet.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, residents, travellers, rescue workers and security personnel in areas near the Bhotekoshi River.
- What
- A new flood warning was issued because water levels or flows reportedly increased suddenly, raising concern about a possible lake outburst.
- When
- The latest warning was issued on Friday at 11:30 a.m.; authorities said the next 72 hours would be critical.
- Where
- Rasuwa district in Nepal and adjoining areas of Tibet, including downstream locations along the Bhotekoshi River.
- Why
- China reported that a lake near the Nepal border was expanding and could reach about 3 million cubic metres, potentially increasing flood danger.
- Latest warning
- Issued by Nepal Police at 11:30 a.m. Friday after receiving information from the Chinese side.
- Critical period
- The next 72 hours for evacuation, rescue and relief operations.
- Lake volume
- Nearly 2 million cubic metres on Thursday morning, with an expected increase to about 3 million cubic metres within two to three days.
- Affected river
- The Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo originate in Tibet, merge near the border and enter Nepal as the Bhotekoshi River.
- Possible cause
- Authorities received information about a possible lake outburst, but the Rasuwa official said it had not been confirmed.
- Earlier disaster
- On 26 August, part of a glacier collapsed from about 5,200 metres, falling roughly 1,200 metres into a valley.
- Reported casualties
- At least 400 people are confirmed dead and more than 1,000 remain missing across Nepal and Tibet.