China halts Tibet rescue amid rising flood risk from landslide lake

Rescue efforts in Tibet have been halted by China due to the escalating risk of flooding from a lake created by a recent landslide. State-run broadcasters reported that rescue teams have been instructed to move one kilometer away from the affected site.

Hundreds of people are still missing in the Tibet region two days after a massive landslide occurred. The suspension of operations came on Friday as concerns grew over the stability of the newly formed lake.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), the lake, formed by mud and debris from the landslide along the China-Nepal border, has filled considerably. This has led to water flowing towards the area where rescue teams had been working.

"All rescue teams have been ordered to remain on standby in a safe location and await further instructions," CCTV reported. Emergency teams that had reached the area were also told to withdraw. Continued rainfall is expected to cause the lake's water level to rise over the next three days, potentially peaking around September 1.

This surge in water level increases the risk of the lake bursting its banks, which could inundate downstream areas, including Kerung Port. Emergency engineering teams are closely monitoring the situation. As of Friday, 499 Chinese nationals and 555 foreign nationals had been evacuated. Rescuers are continuing efforts to locate the missing using drones and manual searches.

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All rescue teams have been ordered to remain on standby in a safe location and await further instructions.