Rescue operations continued searching through thick layers of mud and debris in flood-hit Nepal on Friday as authorities remained on high alert over a newly formed lake near the Nepal-China border, raising fears of another flash flood in the region.
The warning comes two days after devastating floods swept through the Himalayan border region, killing more than 500 people and leaving over 1,500 missing. Experts said the lake was formed after an ice-rock avalanche caused by the glacial collapse on August 26. At least 320 Indians remain missing, while around 400 others are stranded on the Chinese side following the floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a media briefing. He said 96 Indian nationals stranded on the Chinese side had safely crossed into Nepal by land. Since Wednesday night, India has also sent a total of 47.5 tonnes of emergency supplies to Nepal in two military transport aircraft and is in the process of sending more relief materials.
Both Zhang and Steiner said the warnings should be taken seriously, particularly as rescue teams continue searching for people missing in the floods. However, they said another flash flood on the same devastating scale was unlikely. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was ready to provide all possible assistance to Nepal in its rescue efforts.
Nepalese authorities have directed security personnel, rescue workers and others involved in relief operations to remain on high alert and move to safer locations if necessary. Debris and rocks blocked part of the river, creating a temporary natural dam and causing water to accumulate behind it. Twenty-one Indians also arrived in New Delhi on Friday, a day after reaching Kathmandu from the flood-affected areas of Nepal, PYI reported.