China Warns of Fresh Flood Threat After Deadly Nepal Disaster, Says Lake Could Burst

Nepal is facing another potential flood threat just days after a devastating flash flood killed hundreds, with China warning that a temporary lake formed upstream could breach its natural barrier.

According to an India Today report, Chinese authorities alerted Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after observing changes in the temporary lake, including a gradual darkening of its water. Chinese modelling suggests that a partial breach of the natural barrier could generate a maximum flow of around 500 cubic metres per second downstream.

WHY HAS CHINA ISSUED A FRESH WARNING?

Chinese authorities have been closely monitoring changes in the temporary lake, with the changing colour of the water emerging as a potential warning sign.

“The colour of the lake that began forming the day before yesterday is continuously becoming darker. This means that it could burst,” a message sent by Chinese authorities to Nepal said.

China said the volume of water currently stored in the lake was not particularly large and suggested that a breach could cause a moderate rise in downstream river levels rather than a major surge.

Nevertheless, communities located downstream have been advised to remain alert.

HOW MUCH WATER IS IN THE LAKE?

The temporary lake formed in the upper reaches of the Lhende river system after debris created a natural barrier following a glacial collapse. The collapse is believed to have contributed to the flash floods that struck parts of Nepal and Tibet earlier this week.

The lake is located near the confluence of the Chochen River on the Chinese side and the Purepu River on the Nepali side.

China’s Ministry of Water Resources said the lake level had been rising gradually, with around 2.5 million cubic metres of water accumulated by Friday.

Chinese authorities had earlier estimated that another 3 million cubic metres could collect in the lake over the next three days.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BARRIER BREAKS?

Chinese authorities have conducted flood modelling to assess the possible impact of a partial failure of the natural barrier.

“If part of the dam breaks, the maximum water flow could be 500 cubic meters per second. It will remain confined within the river’s banks,” the Chinese message said.

Drones and satellites are being used to monitor the lake and surrounding area as authorities assess the stability of the barrier.

LAKE BEGINS OVERFLOWING

The temporary lake began overflowing into the Lhende Khola and Trishuli rivers on Friday. By noon, Chinese authorities assessed the immediate risk from the overflow as manageable, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

However, the development has not eliminated concerns about a possible breach, particularly as Nepal continues to recover from Wednesday’s devastating floods.

NEPAL CONTINUES FLOOD RECOVERY

Rescue and recovery operations remain underway across Nepal, while authorities are also monitoring developments upstream.

At least 579 people have been killed in Nepal, while seven additional deaths have been confirmed in Tibet.

The latest warning has heightened concerns in downstream communities, with authorities closely monitoring both the temporary lake’s water level and the stability of the natural barrier.