Archive · 28 Aug 2026
New Barrier Lake Raises Second Flood Risk In Nepal
A large pool of water has formed because a river was blocked near the Nepal-China border.
The pool is connected to rivers that flow into Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River.
It already contains about 2 million cubic metres of water.
More water may enter it during the next three days.
Officials are worried that the natural barrier could break.
If it breaks, a fast flood could move downstream.
Nepal has told people near the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to move away from dangerous areas.
Chinese authorities are watching the lake and studying what might happen, while Nepalese leaders want stronger cooperation with China.
A new barrier lake has formed near the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers near Nepal’s border with China.
Chinese authorities estimated the lake held nearly 2 million cubic metres of water Thursday morning, with another 3 million potentially entering within three days.
Officials warned that the barrier could breach, sending a sudden surge downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology urged residents, travelers, security personnel, and rescuers to avoid riverbanks and high-risk areas.
The warning follows a deadly flood in Rasuwa, while Nepalese political leaders called for consultations with China on cross-border disaster risks.
- Who
- Residents and downstream communities in Nepal, along with travelers, security personnel, and rescue workers, face the warning; Chinese and Nepalese authorities are monitoring the situation.
- What
- A newly formed barrier lake may breach and create another flood in downstream parts of Nepal.
- When
- The warning was issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026; the lake held nearly 2 million cubic metres of water that morning.
- Where
- Near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers near the Nepal-China border, with possible effects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.
- Why
- A river blockage has created the lake, and officials expect up to 3 million additional cubic metres of water to enter it over three days.
- Current water volume
- Nearly 2 million cubic metres as of Thursday morning.
- Possible additional inflow
- About 3 million cubic metres over the following three days.
- Potential danger
- The barrier could breach and send a sudden rush of water downstream.
- Affected river areas
- The Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.
- Nepalese warning
- People were urged to leave riverbanks and high-risk areas and remain in safe locations.
- Chinese response
- Authorities are monitoring the lake and conducting flood simulations and risk assessments.
- Political response
- Nepalese leaders called for diplomatic consultations with China and a stronger disaster-management system.
Sources
Fresh flood threat looms in Nepal's Rasuwa as new barrier lake forms near Bhote Koshi
Fresh flood risk in Nepal as new barrier lake forms on China border
Will Nepal be hit by a second flood? China flags high risk of ‘breach’ in a new barrier lake