China Reports Natural Dam Formed by Nepal Floodwaters 'Practically Empty'

China's Ministry of Water Resources announced that a natural dam formed by recent floodwaters in northern Nepal and the Tibetan county of Gyirong is now "practically empty." The riverbed has returned to a natural flow, easing concerns about a sudden, catastrophic release of water downstream.

The accumulation of water had become a major hazard, obstructing rescue efforts and forcing a temporary suspension of some operations. The ministry reported that the water surface continues to shrink, and the barrier is slowly allowing the river's flow to pass. Some areas of the dam now reveal the riverbed, indicating a gradual and controlled drainage.

Measurements taken on Friday showed the dam still covered over 100,000 square meters. However, the water's exit point, approximately 41 meters wide, contained numerous trees and debris. This debris created gaps that facilitated a gradual outflow, significantly reducing the risk of a sudden surge.

Above the dam site, the flood created an impact crater approximately 14,000 square meters, which has remained stable. While the risk of overflow from this crater is considered low, it remains under surveillance. Authorities are also monitoring for potential new landslides and have deployed emergency hydrological teams after several monitoring stations in the area ceased transmitting data following the disaster.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse of a large ice mass from a Nepalese glacier triggered the flood. The disaster has resulted in at least 676 confirmed deaths, with 669 in Nepal and 7 in China. Additionally, 2,980 people are reported missing according to separate tallies from Nepal and China.

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practically empty and the riverbed already presents a natural flow.