KATHMANDU, Aug 27: China has warned that the risk from the Bhotekoshi flood is not over, saying a new landslide-dammed lake has formed in Nepal and could burst at any time, triggering another flash flood downstream.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, citing the Ministry of Water Resources, a large lake has formed after a landslide blocked the river near the confluence of the Chojian and Purpuchyangbu rivers in Nepal.
Fear of flash flood downstream as massive landslide blocks Tama...
As of Thursday morning, around 2 million cubic metres of water had accumulated in the lake and was beginning to overflow. Another 3 million cubic metres is expected to enter the lake over the next three days, raising the risk of a sudden breach and another major flood.
Chinese authorities are monitoring the lake using satellite and radar technology and conducting scientific simulations to assess the potential speed and impact of another flood.
Meanwhile, the earlier floods and landslides have also caused major destruction in Gyirong (Rasuwagadhi) in Tibet. Three deaths have been confirmed and two people rescued, while 558 people, including 260 foreign nationals, remain missing. Chinese authorities have deployed the People’s Liberation Army, engineering teams and helicopters for search and rescue.
Authorities have urged residents along the Trishuli River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan to remain on high alert due to the risk of another sudden flood.
