A rapidly forming barrier lake near the border between China and Nepal poses a significant risk of triggering another destructive flood following a glacial collapse earlier this week that killed hundreds, Chinese authorities have warned.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources reported that a natural lake has developed near the junction of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, with an estimated volume of around two million cubic metres of water. The lake was overflowing by Thursday, and an additional influx of up to three million cubic metres of water is expected within the next three days, raising concerns that the natural barrier containing the lake could fail.
The two rivers lie just east of the area where a glacier collapsed on Wednesday, unleashing a torrent of ice, rock, and water that raced down the Lhende Khola river at an estimated speed of 100 miles per hour. The flood struck the Rawusa border crossing, a key point between Nepal and Tibet, washing away vehicles and people and devastating surrounding villages further downstream. The floodwaters were powerful enough to flow back uphill into Tibet, posing further hazards to traffic still approaching the region.
Nepalese authorities have confirmed the recovery of 389 bodies and stated that 910 people remain missing, including approximately 540 foreign tourists. Chinese officials reported three bodies recovered and 558 individuals missing on the Tibet side of the border, among them 260 foreign citizens, as well as 100 Chinese nationals missing on the Nepal side. It remains unclear how many missing persons have been counted by both sides due to the chaotic circumstances and heavy cross-border traffic at the time of the disaster.
Eyewitnesses described the event as a devastating surge of water that toppled trees and infrastructure. A woman identified as Fang recounted fleeing in her vehicle with the floodwaters trailing her for several kilometers. A tourism operator flying over the affected region described the area as completely flattened, with no human settlements left intact.
The Rawusa crossing holds significant cultural importance as the primary land route to Mount Kailash, a sacred site revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, as well as adventurers. Many victims were reported to be pilgrims traveling in the area. Farther downstream in Nepal’s Chitwan district, over 100 bodies have washed up following the flood.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued warnings to residents to remain alert in light of the new threat from the swelling lake. Binod Parajuli, head of the flood forecasting division, noted that while the expected additional water intake is smaller than the initial flood volume, a potential breach could be equally devastating, especially as it may carry debris left by Wednesday’s disaster.
Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang visited Tibet to oversee ongoing rescue operations. Tibet, officially an autonomous region under Chinese administration, has experienced significant political tensions and is closely monitored by Beijing.
Officials have not provided a detailed breakdown of the nationalities of those missing on the Chinese side. Rescue efforts continue on both sides of the border as communities face the threat of further flooding in an area already devastated by the glacier collapse.