Barrier Lake Flood Risk Grows Near Nepal Border

Engineers have been sent to monitor water levels and weather conditions. Drones have also delivered equipment and supplies to the site, which is difficult and dangerous to reach by land.

Why were rescue operations temporarily halted?

Most Chinese emergency teams initially stopped at a village about 7km from Gyirong Port, the main land crossing between Nepal and China that was struck by Wednesday’s flood.

CCTV reported that the lake was “overflowing non-stop” at the time, creating the possibility of fresh flooding or debris flows. That left rescuers facing the fairly basic problem of trying to enter a disaster zone while another disaster might still be travelling towards them.

By Friday afternoon, however, state media said the “risk from the upstream barrier lake had come under control”. Rescue operations then resumed. The earlier warning was not withdrawn entirely, with teams continuing to track the lake as more water and rain were expected.

The lake lies near Langtang Lirung, the mountain peak where the glacier collapse is believed to have originated. It is several kilometres upstream from Gyirong Port, placing the crossing and nearby settlements directly in the potential path of any sudden release.

What caused Wednesday’s deadly flash flood?

Scientists said part of a glacier near Langtang Lirung most likely broke away and crashed into the river below. The impact triggered a rapid downstream surge carrying water, rock and other debris.

Nepali authorities have separately warned that blockages along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers could cause further floods. People have been told to stay away from both rivers until further notice.

Several hundred people have died in Nepal, according to the reported figures, while hundreds more remain missing. On the Tibet side of the border alone, more than 550 people are missing, nearly half of them foreigners.

With rainfall still expected and unstable debris continuing to obstruct waterways, authorities on both sides of the border remain alert for further surges. Rescue crews have returned, but the rivers, glacier debris and improvised lake are still setting the timetable.