China evacuates Tibet towns as floodwaters threaten to breach new lake

Residents in several Tibetan towns have been evacuated as authorities race to manage a burgeoning lake that poses an imminent threat of collapse. The lake, formed by recent catastrophic floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, now holds an estimated two million cubic meters of water.

Chinese state television CCTV reported that the natural dam is already overflowing. Authorities project an additional three million cubic meters of water could accumulate over the next three days, with the water level expected to peak around September 1. This rapid accumulation significantly increases the risk of a sudden, destructive release of water.

The floods, which struck on August 26, were caused by a massive landslide and debris flow originating from a glacial area in Nepal. The disaster resulted in nearly 100 deaths and left hundreds missing, many of whom were foreign tourists. In Nepal, the death toll has risen to 359, with 445 people rescued.

Chinese Ministry of Water Resources teams are on-site, deploying hydrological monitoring equipment and using simulations to assess potential breach scenarios and support emergency operations. The Tibetan Department of Natural Resources confirmed that threatened communities downstream have been relocated to safety. The natural barrier is estimated to be about 50 meters high and over three kilometers long.

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The inhabitants of several towns downstream have been moved to safe places.