Barrier lake breach raises alarm over fresh Bhotekoshi flood surge
China’s ministry of water resources said the lake had accumulated around 2 million cubic metres of water by Thursday morning and was already overflowing, heightening concerns over a possible breach. A glacier collapse in Tibet triggered severe flash floods and mudslides along the China-Nepal border, leaving at least 475 people dead and several missing, according to authorities in the two countries. Earlier reporting noted: China warns Nepal of fresh flood likely in 3 days due to barrier lake A barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal faces a high risk of breaching over the next three days, Global Times reported, citing Chinese authorities on Thursday. Authorities in both countries have reported at least 273 deaths and more than 1,300 people missing, although the figures vary among agencies due to differences in data collection, verification and coordination.
Nepal is preparing to conduct an aerial reconnaissance mission over the Bhotekoshi River and surrounding areas of Rasuwa to assess the potential impact of the reported lake breach.
Chinese authorities said they were closely monitoring the lake, conducting flood simulations and hydrological assessments to determine the potential impact of a breach and prepare for emergency rescue and flood-control measures. An official at the Rescue Coordination Centre at Tribhuvan International Airport said helicopters stationed in Dhunche and other parts of Rasuwa would be deployed for the operation, with no additional aircraft being sent from Kathmandu. Earlier reporting noted: The ministry said it was closely monitoring the lake while conducting flood simulations and risk assessments to prepare for a potential breach and facilitate emergency rescue efforts.
A large barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal has reportedly breached, raising fears of another surge of water into the Bhotekoshi River. The development comes a day after Chinese authorities warned that the flood-formed lake was overflowing and faced a high risk of breaching as rising water levels continued to feed into it. The Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo originate in Tibet and merge before flowing into Nepal, where the river is known as the Bhotekoshi. It is the principal upper tributary of the Trishuli River. The figures vary across agencies, reflecting differences in data collection, verification and coordination. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. The warning comes after catastrophic flash floods in the China-Nepal border region killed hundreds and left thousands missing.
Earlier reporting noted: A glacier collapse in Tibet triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides along the China-Nepal border. Rasuwa chief district officer Narendra Pariyar said on Friday that the Nepali Army had informed him that the lake had breached, as cited by the Kathmandu Post.