Lake Burst Threat Eases After Glacier Collapse Near China-Nepal Border

The immediate danger posed by a newly formed glacial lake near the China-Nepal border, a consequence of a devastating glacier collapse earlier this week, appears to be subsiding. Chinese authorities announced Saturday that the threat of the lake bursting has decreased, citing evidence that its size has significantly shrunk.

Satellite images captured between Thursday and Saturday morning indicate that water from the lake, located at the confluence of two rivers straddling the border, has been gradually flowing through. This slow release has led to a reduction in the reservoir's volume. The Water Resources Ministry reported that the lake's surface area on the Purepu Tsangpo river had decreased to 99,000 square meters by Saturday morning, down from an earlier measurement on Thursday. This reduction is equivalent to the size of approximately 14 football fields.

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We estimate its area to be over 120,000 square meters, but its depth is currently unknown.

The glacier collapse on Wednesday unleashed a catastrophic torrent of rock, ice, mud, and debris into the Himalayan river systems. This powerful flood destroyed a border port complex connecting China's Tibet region with Nepal, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of people still missing. Experts had warned of a high risk of secondary disasters, particularly from the debris-formed lake, which threatened rescue operations downstream.

State-owned enterprise China Anneng has been monitoring the lake since Thursday, deploying a specialized team with advanced equipment to gather more data. While an overflow from the lake on Friday temporarily halted rescue efforts, subsequent assessments deemed the risks manageable. Authorities are also monitoring a second, larger body of water at the glacier collapse site, estimated to be over 120,000 square meters, though its depth remains unknown. Flood risks will persist until both lakes are fully drained, according to Nepali disaster management officials. Rescue efforts continue amidst dangerous conditions, with search teams combing through debris for survivors.

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Flood risks will remain until the two lakes have fully drained.