Nepal and Tibet face new flood threat after deadly deluge

A new wave of disaster looms over Nepal and Tibet as authorities warn of a potential secondary flood following the recent devastating deluge. Hundreds have perished, and over 1,300 remain missing, including many foreign nationals, after flash floods ravaged the region.

Experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have identified a significant blockage of rock, ice, and debris upstream near the Nepal-China border. They caution that if a large volume of water accumulates behind this dam, it could suddenly break, unleashing another catastrophic flood downstream.

"Such a blockage can create additional danger if the accumulated water is suddenly released," ICIMOD warned. This heightened risk has prompted the evacuation of the Jilong port area. Basanta Raj Adhikari, director of the Center for Disaster Studies at Tribhuvan University, noted that multiple flood waves could follow the initial event.

The initial flood, described as a "tsunami from the sky," caused by what is believed to be a glacial lake outburst flood, saw river levels surge dramatically. The Trishuli River's water level rose by up to nine meters in just 30 minutes in some areas. Entire villages were destroyed, along with crucial infrastructure like bridges and roads.

Rescue operations involving thousands of military and police personnel are underway. However, the destruction of transportation routes and the remote nature of many affected areas are severely complicating efforts to reach survivors and deliver aid. As the search for the missing continues, communities downstream are bracing for the possibility of a further onslaught of water.

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Such a blockage can create additional danger if the accumulated water is suddenly released.